Paid Department ~ The History of the Dubuque Fire Department

February 26th, 1882

A very important feature in municipal government is the means adopted for securing the protection of property against the ravages of fire. Dubuque has a very efficient fire department, and while it is rather an expensive portion of the city’s machinery, still, when a large fire breaks out, and is speedily suppressed without much disaster, we all feel that rather than do away with the fire department, we would go on short rations in order to meet its necessary expenses.

Every city takes more or less pride in its fire department—that is in the efficiency and successful work of its members. Dubuque has a good fire department. A fire has no chance to get any start if it is within access by the “boys” who “run” with the “machines.”

The paid department is a valuable institution, and until some other means are provided for furnishing protection from fire, it should be well sustained. A little less extravagance in street work, and more money expended on the fire department, would be a sensible move. Fires will break out when least expected, and the only way to do is to furnish the best possible protection.