On
October 21, 1872, the first Fire Ordinance for the City of Salinas
was adopted. Salinas City, incorporated on March 4, 1874, established
a committee to recommend formation of a Fire Department. Alisal
Hose Company #1 was formed and M. H. Grossmayers was elected Foreman.
Its name later changed to Salinas Hose Company #1 and on December
29, 1874 changed again to Excelsior Hose Company #1.
The next eight years saw the formation of several other fire companies.
On January 19, 1875, the Alert Hook and Ladder Company was established.
On April 8, 1875, the Salinas Engine Company was formed. Salinas
Hose Company #1 was formed in June, 1883.
Salinas'
first Paid Fireman
On March 5, 1894, J. J. Conner was appointed by the Mayor and
Common Council as the first paid fireman for the City of Salinas.
He was appointed Engineer of the Steam Engine. His pay was $25.00
per month (part time). On June 28 of that same year, stables were
built in the back of the fire station and Conner was employed
full time. His job was outline as follows:
"Manage and take care of the steam fire engine, take care
of all fire apparatus, sprinkle streets, haul sweepings from the
streets and other work that might be required".
His salary was set at $80.00 per month.
Salinas City Fire Department saw much internal and external political
strife during it's early years. This led to the actual disbanding
and eventual reinstating of the Department. However, the various
companies eventually became one and the Salinas Fire Department
was officially organized on October 4, 1897.
Salinas Fire Department Fire Chiefs
| Name |
Employed
or Elected |
Years
as Chief |
| Tom
Joy |
|
1897-Unknown |
| F.
E. Dayton |
|
Unknown - 1900 |
| F.
W. Winham |
|
1900
- 1918 |
| E.
Dougherty |
|
1918
- 1920 |
| Dr.
J. P. Nichols |
1911 |
1920
- 1927 |
| George
Von Soosten |
1917 |
1927
- 1956 |
| Elmer
B. Anderson |
1928 |
1956
- 1965 |
| Paul
A. Mehringer |
1946 |
1965
- 1981 |
| Thomas
C. Campbell |
1951 |
1982
- 1989 |
| James
F. Brunetti |
1990 |
1990
- 1993 |
| Richard
Smith |
1994 |
1994
- 1999 |
| Daniel
Hernandez |
1999 |
1999
- 2004 |
Edward
R. Montez
|
2004 |
2004
- Present |
