Originally called Hook and Ladder Co. 1, the St. Joseph Volunteer Fire Department has been providing fire protection services as early as 1855. In 1892, The Hook and Ladder Co. 1 was formally changed to the St. Joseph Fire Department. Today, the St. Joseph Fire Department provides services to the residents of the City of St. Joseph, Township of St. Joseph, and the southern portion of St. Wendel Township.
Fire Board
The Fire Department is part of the City of St. Joseph but managed by the Fire Board. The Fire Board consists of the following members:
Jeff Taufen, Fire Chief
Bob Loso, City of St. Joseph
Steve Gohmann, St. Joseph Township
Greg Salk, St. Wendel Township
Judy Weyrens, City Administrator
The board meets quarterly, serving as a policy and fiscal board, serving at the pleasure of the City Council and township boards.
Information About the Fire Department
The St. Joseph Fire Department consists of 30 volunteers who operate out of one fire station. The department provides fire and rescue services. The majority of responses are medical in nature. The department status is pay-per-response. The ISO rating for the city is Class 5 and 5/9 for the township areas.
Associations
The Fire Department belongs to the following associations: