History

🔥 A Proud History: DuPont Fire Department Since 1910

Over a Century of Service, Courage, and Community Commitment

The DuPont Fire Department was founded in 1910, built on a strong tradition of community involvement and dedication to public safety. From humble beginnings, the department has grown into a modern, professional fire service—carrying forward the same spirit of service that defined its earliest members.

🧑‍🚒 Humble Beginnings

In its early days, the department was made up of plant workers and local citizens, including young boys who were vital to firefighting efforts. Hose carts were stationed throughout the town, and when fires broke out, these boys would rush the carts to the scene, where adult workers from the DuPont plant would take over.

👦 "DuPont Company Number 11" — The Youngest Firefighters

By the early 1920s, the department saw a unique expansion with the formation of DuPont Company Number 11—a youth firefighting team made up of boys aged 7 to 12 years old. This remarkable group is believed to have been the youngest organized firefighting unit in the United States.

Their formation was inspired by the boys' heroic efforts in controlling a dangerous grass fire.
Leading the company was Fire Chief Robert Hull, who was just 11 years old.

This extraordinary chapter in DuPont’s history highlights the town’s culture of early service, teamwork, and bravery.

🚒 A Milestone in Modernization: The First Fire Engine

In 1963, the City of DuPont purchased its first pumper truck for $49,000—a major step forward for fire operations in the community.

To accommodate the new apparatus, the original fire station—a small single-bay garage—was expanded in both length and width, signaling the beginning of the department’s transformation into the professional agency it is today.

🏛️ A Legacy That Lives On

More than 100 years later, the DuPont Fire Department continues to evolve, honoring its roots while embracing innovation and professionalism. What began as a small, community-powered fire force has grown into a modern department that continues to protect lives and property with the same heart, grit, and dedication that shaped its origin.