All About Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department

History of WVFD

Wheatland's first fire department was a bucket brigade formed by the town's citizens in 1897. This was its fire protection until July 1, 1912, when a hose cart was purchased from Cheyenne, and the department was organized under the name of Wheatland Hose Co. No. 1 with twenty-three men and J. J. McCuteheon as chief. Meetings were not regular and no records were kept of the proceedings.

In 1921 the town purchased a Dodge truck and the department became motorized. On November 21, 1921 the Wheatland Hose Co. was abandoned and the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department organized, with Art Rugg as chief. Shortly after, bylaws were drawn up and adopted on January 2, 1922. In 1929 the department joined the Wyoming State Firemen's Association.

In May of 1932 the Town of Wheatland voted for the construction of a Town Hall and Fire House, in addition to a new pumper, a 1932 Chevrolet. This pumper was rebuilt in 1962 by active members and was in use as a back up drill truck through the seventies.

In 1971, the department purchased a 1969 G.M.C. 1 Ton truck and, under the supervision of Rural Asst. Chief Red Bolich, a new drill truck was built on this chassis.

The department brought home championship wins from the State Fire Convention drill evolution competition in 1963, 64, 65, 67, and 68.

By 1974 the organization was equipped with three pumpers, two tank trucks, three personnel carriers, boat and essential diving gear for all water rescue operations, and two-way radio units including a base station and ten mobile radios.