Department History The Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department, in Wheatland, Wyoming , celebrated 100 years of service to the community in 1998. Wheatland's first Fire Department started out as a bucket brigade, formed by the town's citizens in 1897.  This was the only line of defense against fire, until July 1, 1912, when a hose cart was purchased from Cheyenne.  They called themselves Wheatland Hose Company Number 1, with 23 fire fighters.  There were no regular meetings, and no records were kept of the proceedings. In 1912, the town purchased a Dodge truck and the Department became motorized.  On November 12, 1921, the Hose Company was abandoned, and the Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department began its career.  By-laws were drawn up and adopted on January2, 1922, and the Department joined the Wyoming State Fireman's Association in 1929. In May of 1932, the town of Wheatland voted Bonds for the construction of a Town Hall and Fire Station.  A new Pumper, a 1932 Chevrolet, was purchased, and is still being used today in parades, as 'Old Ought', after being rebuilt in 1962, by members of the Department. In 1961, an additional 6 bays were added by the town to house the growing department.  In 1978, Fire Department 1-F, doubled the size of the building, by adding additions, making a total of 15 bays.  The department now boasts 6 class A pumpers-2 tankers- 3 grass units- 2 6x6 Pumper/tankers-a dive boat-command bus-several personnel carriers-air and light trailers, and other specialty units. The Way Things Were This catalog was found in one of the trophy cases at the Fire Hall.  It comes from Acme Fire Services in Denver, Colorado, and although there is no discernable date on it, it is kind of interesting to see how Fire gear has changed over the years.  Note the prices written in the margins!  Aaaah, to return to the 'Good Old Days'!