Excerpts from NorthernStar.info:
A local initiative is taking shape as a foundation aims to establish a museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of the DeKalb Fire Department. The collection includes items that date back nearly 150 years, since the department’s founding in 1869.
The DeKalb Firefighters Historical Foundation, established four years ago, has been working to preserve the legacy of the fire department and its ties to DeKalb and Northern Illinois University. According to Patrick Eriksen, a firefighter and paramedic with the department, the foundation and the museum concept have developed side by side.
“We’re approaching our 150th anniversary, and we’ve collected a wide range of artifacts—everything from vintage fire trucks and equipment to small historical items like old badges,†Eriksen explained. “It’s all part of keeping the story alive.â€
The DeKalb Fire Department started as a volunteer organization and transitioned to a full-time department in 1904. Among the most treasured items in their collection is a rare dispatch board from the early 20th century. This mechanical device used levers to produce a ticker tape that indicated emergency locations. Eriksen noted that only two such boards remain in the entire country.
“Being able to continue this tradition in a community I care deeply about makes this project very meaningful to me,†Eriksen said. “It’s not just about preserving history—it’s about honoring the past while building for the future.â€
Currently, the fire department is in discussions with the city regarding a potential site for the museum, though the location remains confidential for now, according to Lieutenant Todd Stoffa, who leads the foundation.
“We’re exploring several options to move forward with the building,†Stoffa said. “Our goal is to create a space that will serve both the community and the historical mission of the foundation.â€
To support these efforts, the fire department will host its fourth Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at Station 1, located at 700 Pine Street. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children aged 4 to 10, and free for children under 4. Tickets will be sold on-site.
All proceeds from the breakfast will go toward purchasing the museum’s building and supporting ongoing maintenance and operations through the foundation. Eriksen hopes that once the initial goal is met, additional funds can be used for educational programs, exhibits, and other community initiatives.
In addition to the pancake breakfast, the event will feature an open house tour of the fire station, a bounce house for kids, and a smoke trailer to promote fire safety during Fire Prevention Month. It’s a family-friendly event that brings the community together to support a meaningful cause.
For more details about the breakfast, contact Adam Miller at 815-748-8649.
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