BROOKVILLE — In December 1962, members of the Brookville Fire Department purchased a 3,300 gallon water tanker trailer for use in case of rural fire calls. They also started a file which would enable them to answer all calls via shortest and best route.

For that reason, they were anxious that citizens fill out the location map which they received, giving all necessary information. In their letter to citizens, they stated that everyone knows that minutes saved in reaching your residence may mean the difference of saving or losing the property, so you can see why it is necessary that you fill in and return the location blank as soon as possible.

No postage was required because a self-addressed postage free envelope was enclosed.

Also enclosed was a letter asking for financial aid to purchase a tractor to pull this equipment. They assured residents that if they could not contribute anything, that it would not affect their giving them fire protection.

The water tank truck would not answer all rural calls with the other equipment, but one or two men would remain at the fire station and would be called when the firemen arrived at the fire, if they thought additional water would be needed. The 500 gallons on the responding truck would be sufficient to control the blaze until the water trailer tank arrived.

They also stated that when they secured a trailer tractor, it would be repainted and they would fix the equipment. After that it would be presented to the village, and it would be added to the fire-fighting equipment and put into use.

All information and the photo for this Look at Brookville article were supplied by the Brookville Historical Society. Do you have a photo or historical information to share or add? Please contact the Brookville Historical Society at 937-833-0285 or email to [email protected].