"Our Commitment is to protect life and property through dedicated service to the community."

     In the late 1800’s, Stillwater was a hustling and bustling City on the St. Croix with the potential for devastating consequences if a fire broke out. The City, being a lumber town, had considerable risk to fire and experienced several fires and incidents prior to the formal creation of the Department. However, it wasn’t until the great Chicago Fire and the realization that a catastrophic fire of the same nature could occur in Stillwater that action was taken to organize a trained and equipped fire organization.  

     May 28, 1872 is the date officially creating the Stillwater Fire Department by City Council Ordinance. Shortly thereafter, on Monday June 3, 1872 the first meeting of the newly formed fire department was held. At this meeting officers were elected and the official name of the organization and uniform apparel were selected. The official name was to be “Stillwater Steam Engine Company, No. 1.” The uniform would consist of New York style fire hats with ‘Stillwater, 1’ printed on the front, patent leather belt, with the figure 1 and the name of the company on the back; double breasted red shirts with covered buttons and black pants.”  The history of the Stillwater Fire Department begins.

         Today, the Stillwater Fire Department provides numerous services to the community; fire suppression, technical rescue (high angle rope, extrication, water, dive), advanced level first aid and EMS, fire prevention and life safety education, code enforcement, emergency preparedness, community support, civil unrest and terrorism response. As you can see, fire is no longer the only focus the Department is prepared to respond to.

     SFD spends numerous hours training staff to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice and be competent to handle the situation. In addition, the technology improvements seen over years is staggering and the need to be adept at learning and incorporating technology is paramount in the fire service profession today. Stillwater Fire continues to be on the cutting edge of progress and is ready to adapt and transform as needed and required to provide the best possible service to its residents and community.

     Since its inception, one thing remains consistent, the City of Stillwater is protected by extremely dedicated and committed individuals from within the community they live. I am very proud of all of the personnel who commit their time, talents and energy to protecting the lives and property of others.

     I am truly honored and humbled to be leading this historic organization.

Stuart W. Glaser
Fire Chief

Resources

• Fire Prevention Open House 2024
• Informed Consent to Receive Vaccinations at Open House
• Burning Restrictions and Fire Danger
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• American Red Cross
• Community Thread