Fire Department History

The Canton Fire Department has a rich history dating back into the 1800s. Early records show a hook and ladder purchased in 1885 for the volunteer fire department which served Canton. The first paid Canton Fire Department was established in 1906 with its location at 49 South 1st Avenue. Firefighters worked for one week, then had one day off. This work schedule was replaced with a 24 hour on, 24-hour off schedule in the early 1920s. Horses pulled the fire apparatus and there were 6 horses on duty when the paid fire department started. By the mid-1920s, all fire equipment was motorized. As new technology became available, equipment was upgraded to steam engines and finally to gas and diesel engines. The history of the department is prominently displayed at the Canton Fire Department in glass, lighted showcases for public viewing.

Retired Firefighters

A.J. Provard
9/1906

Reubin griggs
7/1907

Clifford Waddell, Fire Chief
11/1920 to 7/1996

Amos Punneo
12/1920

Gerald Pensinger
7/1934 to 11/1963

Julian Coultas, Fire Chief
5/1935 to 1/1958

Carl Wolfe, Firefighter
5/1949

Eugene Lawver, Fire Chief
11/1951 to 5/1975

Robert DeRenzy, Fire Chief
2/1962 to 7/1995

Gordon Weaver, Asst. Chief
11/1963 to 5/1989

Paul Graves, Lieutenant
4/1967 to 6/1994