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History of the Seneca Fire Department
The Seneca Fire Department was organized first in 1884 as the Hook and Ladder Company. The first fire chief was John Gilchrist. Equipment was horse drawn.
In July of 1889 a Holloway chemical "spuirter" was purchased. It had two tanks with a capacity of fifty gallons of water each. It was fueled by vitriol.
In November of 1890 the name of the department became Seneca Volunteer Fire Department. The first Thanksgiving Ball was held that year.
In March of 1922 the Stutz Model K Engine, designed by Henry Stutz was purchased for $6,650. The truck weighed 8,500 lbs. with a 58 h.p. engine. The pump was capable of 400 lbs of pressure.
In 1925 a Packard was purchased for use as a country fire truck. In 1979 a jaws of life was acquired.