History

The Kokomo Fire Department was formed in 1867. At that time the department consisted of volunteers that used a bucket brigade. In 1892, the first paid fire department was formed and Ed Shauman was named Chief. Shauman commanded a force of four firefighters.

The first fire station was located at the corner of Walnut and Union. The equipment on hand consisted of a horse drawn rig, 200 feet of hose, three axes, and five helmets. The department was not motorized until 1916.

The Kokomo Fire Department today is a 123 member career department(120 sworn firefighters and 3 civilian employees). It provides fire protection to all of Kokomo and Center Township. It also provides EMS within the city limits and responds to hazardous material incidents throughout Howard County.