The original site of the first fire station has an interesting history. The original structure was built in 1896 (now the site of the B-12 Tower). The building stood in back of what was Bradley's Upholstery Shop on Franklin Avenue. When the Milwaukee Road tracks were expanded, the building was moved to the site of the present Fire Station 1 located at 3113 Atlantic Street. The original structure was two stories. In addition to housing the fire department it housed the village offices, the police station, the infant welfare, ration board, and library. During the 1930's the second story was removed and in 1951 the building was turned over to the firemen, with the exception of the portion housing the library. Funds for remodeling the firehouse were raised at the annual picnics and dances. The village also appropriated money for the remodeling.

In 1964 a new Fire Station 1 was built, tearing down the old structure and adding the attached structure next door in 1967.	In 1969 Fire Station 2 was built at 10001 Addison Avenue.
In 1972 Fire Station 3 was built on the property of Chicago Hardware at 2946 Elm Street.	On July 30, 1999, with the weather being 104 degrees, the Franklin Park Firefighter's Association dedicated the Fire Museum, which is located on the corner of Atlantic and Franklin Avenue.

To see more images of the Franklin Park Fire Department go to our Flickr page.

Information compiled by Rodger Hammill and David Traiforos
Originally printed January 29, 2000
edited Feb. 5, 2008