Fire Protection Became Priority
The History of Joliet – Chapter 21 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The city had a volunteer fire department, which formed bucket brigades that often arrived too late to save a structure.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News With the rapid growth in Joliet after the Civil War, new homes and businesses were being constructed all over the city. But there was an old enemy to face: Fire. John Dean PAIGE was appointed to battle the fires in Joliet. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces, which often created emergency situations, were … Read more