| History records that in November, 1903 a major fire was discovered at the large barn of the Calder estate then located where the Coppertree Mall is currently situated. Although and informal alarm was sounded and a bucket brigade was formed, it was a futile attempt. In that it was the largest fire in Oakland to date, the need for a fire department in Oakland became apparent.
June 10,1909 an informal meeting was held at Ivy Hall, the then Oakland municipal building, to create a volunteer fire department in Oakland. Ludo Wilkins, the owner of the Wilkins Brush Factory in Oakland, was appointed as the first fire chief.
This night, Wednesday June 10, 2009, The Mayor and Borough Council presented a proclamation honoring the men and women of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of service, putting their lives on the line to protect life and property in our town. |
