The year 2012 is significant for Sandy Fire District because it is our 100th year anniversary. In 1912, there was evidence of organized fire protection. We have documents from the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company of Elmira, NY, quoting prices for two new fire engines, known as a Number 9 and
Number 10 Chemical Fire Engine - at $800 for both.
These engines resembled a huge fire extinguisher mounted on a two-wheeled cart and would have been hand-pulled. A mixture of soda water and acid created pressure within a 45-gallon cylinder forcing water from the fire hose onto the fire. Unfortunately we have very few photos from the early days
and we don’t have any pictures of those engines. But it means that in 1912, there was organized fire protection in Sandy, and undoubtedly those firefighters would have been volunteers.
In 1920, Sandy bought two used pieces of fire equipment; a chemical engine and a ladder wagon, from the city of Gresham at the bargain price of $500. Some of this early fire equipment, if not hand-pulled, was originally horse-drawn and later converted to motorized. As before, there are no photos
of this equipment. So, we are interested if anyone out there may have old photos from Sandy Fire’s early days.
In the 1940’s the Sandy Rural Fire Commission was formed. This organization was operated entirely by volunteers and survived on donations and contributions. Lyle Seaman became the fire chief, a position he served in for more than 30 years.
On October 25, 1961, following an election of the proposed fire district patrons, the Sandy Rural Fire Protection District was proclaimed to have been formed by the Board of Clackamas County Commissioners. Ronald Krebs, V. D. Butler, Albert Lamke, Mike Paluck and William Parker were declared
elected as Sandy Fire District’s first Board of Directors. Property was purchased at our current location and a small, four-bay, concrete block fire station was built at a total cost of around $24,000, not including donations by local contractor Ed Perren and mill owner Walter Koch. In 1980, the
building was remodeled to its current configuration.
There are many citizens over the years who have served as firefighters and board members of the District. We are looking for the names of these individuals and you can contact us by phone at 503-668-8093, or click here to enter your information.
During our Centennial Year there will be many ways that we will be celebrating our achievements. We are planning a fire apparatus show in August, inviting other fire agencies to bring their old and new equipment for you to see, as well as obtaining mementos that will commemorate our Centennial.
And some of our material will be on display at the Sandy Historical Society Museum during the year.
We are very proud of our heritage and we are embracing our future. Look for coming information about Sandy Fire District’s Centennial on our website and local media.
Sandy Fire District #72 proudly protects 18,000 people living in an area of 77 square miles in northern
Clackamas County, OR. We operate out of 3 stations that protect a primarily rural area and includes the
City of Sandy, OR. Our department is a combination department, utilizing services of career and volunteer members. We have an ISO class 4 rating for any area within 5 miles driving distance from a District fire station.
We welcome you to our website, we are here to serve you. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Sandy Rural Fire District 72 is dedicated to the protection of life and property with pride and professionalism
We will serve and protect our community, and educate and train our personnel. We invite all members of the community to join us in supporting a shared vision for the safety of our community.
Our Organizational Values are a matter of
P.R.I.D.E.
Professionalism - Strive for excellence through appearance, reliability, and dependability
Responsibility - To improve any situation or circumstance encountered
Integrity - Be honest and accountable for actions
Dedication - Commitment to earning and maintaining respect of the community
Education - Encourage each individual to achieve his or her highest potential
