Our History
The history of the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) and the Tuscarora Fire Protection District (TFPD) may be traced through various official documents, newspaper articles, and minutes of meetings. It is the purpose of this history to present a short chronology of the first 30 years of the TVFD and TFPD.
1964- The new Hollis Consolidated Grade School was built and an 8" water main was installed.
1965- A referendum to form a fire protection district, called "The East Hollis Fire Protection District" was proposed. The proposition was to include water main extensions and 10 hydrants in sections 2, 11, 12, and the Hollis School property in section 3 of Hollis Township. Fire protection was to be contracted with the Bartonville Volunteer Fire Department. The fire district committee consisted of Gerald Meyer, Elmer Kaufman, John Wolff, Joe Bieneman, and Rolland Gray. The referendum was put to the public and failed by one vote.
1967-
Near the beginning of the year, the Bartonville News began running notices from the Peoria Area Fireman's
Association stating that beginning September 1, they would no longer provide fire protection to people within the area known as "no man's land." They advised either forming a new fire department or forming fire districts and contracting with existing departments. In early summer, Arnold Heuer's Limestone Township committee met at the Limestone High School. Through various meetings, officials from the Limestone Fire Department, Logan-Trivoli Fire Department, and the Timber-Hollis Fire Department agreed to annex 18 sections of "no man's land" between themselves. This left 5 sections of within Hollis Township unprotected. A fire protection committee consisting of Joe Hubbard, John Giles, Melvin Hurst, Betty Spengler, and Herman Allen was appointed. The committee, amongst itself, came up with $1000 and purchased the entire fleet of Norvic Fire Department in East Peoria, consisting of various personal and
firefighting equipment, along with:
#1) 1940 Ford pumper
#2) 1949 Chevrolet 1100 gallon tanker with PTO pump
#3) 1953 Chevrolet 1500 gallon tanker with tailgate pump
Because no firehouse had been erected yet the trucks were housed at the following locations: #1 with Elmer Spengler, #2 with Joe Hubbard, and #3 with Melvin Hurst. The committee then filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. The Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department was officially incorporated on November 3, 1967. The TVFD named the following people as their officers for the initial organization:
TRUSTEES
President Joe Hubbard
Treasurer Rolland Gray
Secretary John Giles
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Windsor Beck
Assistant Chief Vernon Tesch
1st Captain Gene Miller
2nd Captain Virgil Hamm
1st Lieutenant Charles Petty
2nd Lieutenant Jim Bailey
In order to provide immediate services, an informal call system based on personal phones was organized. The primary number to call for a fire was the Spengler residence, alternates were Windsor Beck, Joe Hubbard, Elmer Kaufman, and Rolland Gray. The 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings each month were set up for
meetings and training at the Hollis School.
1968- Voter referendums in Limestone, Logan, and Hollis Townships approved the annexations of "no man's land." The referendum also approved the Tuscarora Fire Protection District as a taxing body on August 6, 1968 by a vote of 52 to 4. Until that point, the TVFD had operated completely on donations gained by the Fire Committee and department members. In late summer of 1968, department operations
were moved to the unfinished pool room at the Hollis School Building.
1969- The Fire District Committee was formally dissolved and its remaining assets were given to the TVFD. A new telephone number specifically designated for fire calls set up as 697-0347.
1970- A 1955 Chevrolet chassis with a 2 speed axle was bought for $400 with intent of replacing the chassis of unit #3. Unit was then renumbered as #4.
1971- On December 2 the Old Hollis Schoolhouse and property was bought for $4000. The site was to be the future home of the Tuscarora firehouse.
1973- A 1948 International 500 gpm pumper was bought from Sangamon Valley FPD at a cost of $1700, and was numbered unit #5. In July a 36' x 50', two stall firehouse was built at a cost of $12,500.
1975- A 1955 International tanker was acquired from Peoria Truck Works and was numbered unit #6.
1976- A 1967 International Travelette 6-passenger truck was bought for $350 and was to be used as a rescue squad vehicle. It was numbered unit #7.
1978- After series of tenants renting the Old Hollis School building, the TFPD had the building demolished and the lot was leveled.
1979- A 1952 GMC 6x6 2000 gallon tanker with dump tank and side mounted pump was bought
through the ESDA at a cost of one dollar. It was numbered unit #8, although the truck was more commonly known throughout the county as "GI Joe."
1980- A 1968 American LaFrance 1250 gpm pumper was bought from the City of Peoria at a cost of $4010 and was numbered unit #9.
1982- A 1973 Ford F-250 6 passenger was bought from the Timber-Hollis Fire Department at a
cost of $3261 and was numbered unit #10. Through fall, winter and spring of 1983 a 21' x 50' addition to the firehouse was built, including a stall for Rescue 1 and an enclosed meeting room.
1989- A 1979 Chevrolet TopKick truck was purchased from Don Pusey at a cost of around $2500. The truck was originally a Pennzoil delivery truck. The tank and pump from "G.I. Joe" were removed and placed on the chassis of the Pennzoil truck, after the Pennzoil box was removed. "G.I. Joe" was removed from service and later sold because of mechanical problems. This tanker became #11 or Tanker 2.
1994- In the spring of the year, a 1989 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup was bought at a cost
of around $15,000 with intentions of making it into a rescue squad and brush fire truck combination. Through the efforts and many long hours put in by all members of the department, all equipment and body work was done and the truck was put into service in the fall of the year becoming unit #12. Total cost was estimated at around $30,000. On a completely different note, two firsts occurred in membership. One, the TVFD accepted it's first female member, Brenda Manley. And second, the TVFD and TFPD instituted a junior firefighting program, enabling people 15 (later changed to 16) years or older to serve on the department, with a few restrictions.
1996- After a fundraising campaign lasting nearly three years, the last major goal of the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department had finally been met. In the spring of the year, Amkus delivered a brand new set of extrication tools, more commonly known as "The Jaws of Life," at a cost of almost $8000.
2000- The TVFD became only the second non-transporting volunteer rescue squad in Peoria County to provide early defibrillation. Through fund-raising efforts, the department was able to raise the money necessary to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED).
2002- After many years of fundraising, applying for grants, and saving incident fees, the TVFD was able
purchase a fire engine to replace the aging 1968 American LaFrance and the 1973 Ford pickup used as a utility vehicle. The "new" fire engine is a 1989 Sutphen with a 6 person enclosed cab. It has a 1250 gpm Hale two-stage pump, onboard foam, 750 gallon booster tank, hydraulic ladder rack, and enough storage space to hold firefighting, rescue, and EMS equipment. The 1989 Sutphen became lucky unit #13.
2008- A 1982 International tanker with a 1998 stainless steel tank and body was purchased from Fitchburg, WI fire department and became unit #14.
2009- The rescue body was removed from the 1989 Ford and was replaced with a flatbed to convert it to a brush truck only configuration.
2012- After years of hopes to expand the fire station with dedicated office and training spaces, plans were abandoned due to the overwhelming cost and regulations on public entities. Through the winter of 2012-13 members constructed an office within the existing fire station as well as remodeled the bathroom.
PRESENT- Since the mid-2010s the membership of the department has been dwindling. There is a nationwide shortage of volunteerism, whether it be in the fire service or other community organizations. Across the country, volunteer fire departments are struggling to survive due to the lack of community members willing to serve. In the late 2010s, the department began working closely with Timber-Hollis Fire Department to respond jointly to calls for service. Timber-Hollis agreed to be dispatched to every call in Tuscarora Fire Protection District, along side of Tuscarora FD personnel. This arrangement has helped ensure there are responders responding to a call. In the meantime, membership continued to decline to the point that there were only 3 active members of Tuscarora Fire Department. Due to this decline, in 2022 the Trustees of Tuscarora Fire Protection District made the decision to go forward with a plan to dissolve the Fire District and Fire Department and allow it to be absorbed into Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District. Luckily, Timber-Hollis wis agreeable to this plan. This issue will come to a ballot question in the Fall of 2022 for the members of the public to decide.
1964- The new Hollis Consolidated Grade School was built and an 8" water main was installed.
1965- A referendum to form a fire protection district, called "The East Hollis Fire Protection District" was proposed. The proposition was to include water main extensions and 10 hydrants in sections 2, 11, 12, and the Hollis School property in section 3 of Hollis Township. Fire protection was to be contracted with the Bartonville Volunteer Fire Department. The fire district committee consisted of Gerald Meyer, Elmer Kaufman, John Wolff, Joe Bieneman, and Rolland Gray. The referendum was put to the public and failed by one vote.
1967-
Near the beginning of the year, the Bartonville News began running notices from the Peoria Area Fireman's
Association stating that beginning September 1, they would no longer provide fire protection to people within the area known as "no man's land." They advised either forming a new fire department or forming fire districts and contracting with existing departments. In early summer, Arnold Heuer's Limestone Township committee met at the Limestone High School. Through various meetings, officials from the Limestone Fire Department, Logan-Trivoli Fire Department, and the Timber-Hollis Fire Department agreed to annex 18 sections of "no man's land" between themselves. This left 5 sections of within Hollis Township unprotected. A fire protection committee consisting of Joe Hubbard, John Giles, Melvin Hurst, Betty Spengler, and Herman Allen was appointed. The committee, amongst itself, came up with $1000 and purchased the entire fleet of Norvic Fire Department in East Peoria, consisting of various personal and
firefighting equipment, along with:
#1) 1940 Ford pumper
#2) 1949 Chevrolet 1100 gallon tanker with PTO pump
#3) 1953 Chevrolet 1500 gallon tanker with tailgate pump
Because no firehouse had been erected yet the trucks were housed at the following locations: #1 with Elmer Spengler, #2 with Joe Hubbard, and #3 with Melvin Hurst. The committee then filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. The Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department was officially incorporated on November 3, 1967. The TVFD named the following people as their officers for the initial organization:
TRUSTEES
President Joe Hubbard
Treasurer Rolland Gray
Secretary John Giles
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Windsor Beck
Assistant Chief Vernon Tesch
1st Captain Gene Miller
2nd Captain Virgil Hamm
1st Lieutenant Charles Petty
2nd Lieutenant Jim Bailey
In order to provide immediate services, an informal call system based on personal phones was organized. The primary number to call for a fire was the Spengler residence, alternates were Windsor Beck, Joe Hubbard, Elmer Kaufman, and Rolland Gray. The 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings each month were set up for
meetings and training at the Hollis School.
1968- Voter referendums in Limestone, Logan, and Hollis Townships approved the annexations of "no man's land." The referendum also approved the Tuscarora Fire Protection District as a taxing body on August 6, 1968 by a vote of 52 to 4. Until that point, the TVFD had operated completely on donations gained by the Fire Committee and department members. In late summer of 1968, department operations
were moved to the unfinished pool room at the Hollis School Building.
1969- The Fire District Committee was formally dissolved and its remaining assets were given to the TVFD. A new telephone number specifically designated for fire calls set up as 697-0347.
1970- A 1955 Chevrolet chassis with a 2 speed axle was bought for $400 with intent of replacing the chassis of unit #3. Unit was then renumbered as #4.
1971- On December 2 the Old Hollis Schoolhouse and property was bought for $4000. The site was to be the future home of the Tuscarora firehouse.
1973- A 1948 International 500 gpm pumper was bought from Sangamon Valley FPD at a cost of $1700, and was numbered unit #5. In July a 36' x 50', two stall firehouse was built at a cost of $12,500.
1975- A 1955 International tanker was acquired from Peoria Truck Works and was numbered unit #6.
1976- A 1967 International Travelette 6-passenger truck was bought for $350 and was to be used as a rescue squad vehicle. It was numbered unit #7.
1978- After series of tenants renting the Old Hollis School building, the TFPD had the building demolished and the lot was leveled.
1979- A 1952 GMC 6x6 2000 gallon tanker with dump tank and side mounted pump was bought
through the ESDA at a cost of one dollar. It was numbered unit #8, although the truck was more commonly known throughout the county as "GI Joe."
1980- A 1968 American LaFrance 1250 gpm pumper was bought from the City of Peoria at a cost of $4010 and was numbered unit #9.
1982- A 1973 Ford F-250 6 passenger was bought from the Timber-Hollis Fire Department at a
cost of $3261 and was numbered unit #10. Through fall, winter and spring of 1983 a 21' x 50' addition to the firehouse was built, including a stall for Rescue 1 and an enclosed meeting room.
1989- A 1979 Chevrolet TopKick truck was purchased from Don Pusey at a cost of around $2500. The truck was originally a Pennzoil delivery truck. The tank and pump from "G.I. Joe" were removed and placed on the chassis of the Pennzoil truck, after the Pennzoil box was removed. "G.I. Joe" was removed from service and later sold because of mechanical problems. This tanker became #11 or Tanker 2.
1994- In the spring of the year, a 1989 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup was bought at a cost
of around $15,000 with intentions of making it into a rescue squad and brush fire truck combination. Through the efforts and many long hours put in by all members of the department, all equipment and body work was done and the truck was put into service in the fall of the year becoming unit #12. Total cost was estimated at around $30,000. On a completely different note, two firsts occurred in membership. One, the TVFD accepted it's first female member, Brenda Manley. And second, the TVFD and TFPD instituted a junior firefighting program, enabling people 15 (later changed to 16) years or older to serve on the department, with a few restrictions.
1996- After a fundraising campaign lasting nearly three years, the last major goal of the Tuscarora Volunteer Fire Department had finally been met. In the spring of the year, Amkus delivered a brand new set of extrication tools, more commonly known as "The Jaws of Life," at a cost of almost $8000.
2000- The TVFD became only the second non-transporting volunteer rescue squad in Peoria County to provide early defibrillation. Through fund-raising efforts, the department was able to raise the money necessary to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED).
2002- After many years of fundraising, applying for grants, and saving incident fees, the TVFD was able
purchase a fire engine to replace the aging 1968 American LaFrance and the 1973 Ford pickup used as a utility vehicle. The "new" fire engine is a 1989 Sutphen with a 6 person enclosed cab. It has a 1250 gpm Hale two-stage pump, onboard foam, 750 gallon booster tank, hydraulic ladder rack, and enough storage space to hold firefighting, rescue, and EMS equipment. The 1989 Sutphen became lucky unit #13.
2008- A 1982 International tanker with a 1998 stainless steel tank and body was purchased from Fitchburg, WI fire department and became unit #14.
2009- The rescue body was removed from the 1989 Ford and was replaced with a flatbed to convert it to a brush truck only configuration.
2012- After years of hopes to expand the fire station with dedicated office and training spaces, plans were abandoned due to the overwhelming cost and regulations on public entities. Through the winter of 2012-13 members constructed an office within the existing fire station as well as remodeled the bathroom.
PRESENT- Since the mid-2010s the membership of the department has been dwindling. There is a nationwide shortage of volunteerism, whether it be in the fire service or other community organizations. Across the country, volunteer fire departments are struggling to survive due to the lack of community members willing to serve. In the late 2010s, the department began working closely with Timber-Hollis Fire Department to respond jointly to calls for service. Timber-Hollis agreed to be dispatched to every call in Tuscarora Fire Protection District, along side of Tuscarora FD personnel. This arrangement has helped ensure there are responders responding to a call. In the meantime, membership continued to decline to the point that there were only 3 active members of Tuscarora Fire Department. Due to this decline, in 2022 the Trustees of Tuscarora Fire Protection District made the decision to go forward with a plan to dissolve the Fire District and Fire Department and allow it to be absorbed into Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District. Luckily, Timber-Hollis wis agreeable to this plan. This issue will come to a ballot question in the Fall of 2022 for the members of the public to decide.
