New Braunfels Fire Department History

New Braunfels Fire Department Museum

The Museum is located at 131 S. Hill Ave. in New Braunfels. The Museum was originally the Central Fire Station, which was dedicated January 1, 1918. It remained a functioning station until 1985, until the present Central Station opened next door. The Museum held it's grand opening on the 150th anniversary of New Braunfels in 1995.  To schedule a tour, please contact Fire Administration at (830) 221-4200. 

   
The idea to create a museum was that of Battalion Chief Darren Brinkkoeter. With help from many dedicated firefighters the idea became a reality.

Fire Museum

More History and Pictures..

More photos with history tidbits are located here

Chronological History
1874

First fire department in New Braunfels, with a single bay shed and a two-wheeled hook and ladder apparatus.

1877

Turner Fire Company begins services to insured citizens of New Braunfels using a hand pump.

1886

New Braunfels Volunteer Fire Department is founded and building codes are adopted in New Braunfels. The fire department is the third oldest continuous fire department in Texas. Initially, personnel were allowed to be members by invitation only and were made up of prominent citizens and merchants from throughout the community. They were dispersed into three fifteen man companies and new members were invited only after a death or retirement. The first apparatus included a dray wagon to haul personnel and three large hose carts that contained hose, kerosene torches, a small tool box and a pry bar.

1886 

William Schmidt is appointed as the first fire chief. Subsequent fire chiefs serving various length terms include Emile Galle, Charles Jahn (two separate terms), Richard Gerlich, S.V. Pfeuffer, Fritz Dubert (two separate terms), and William Tay.

1910

Adolphe Henne begins a 15-year term as fire chief.

1913

The first motorized apparatus, a triple combination chemical engine by American LaFrance, was purchased. Professional firefighters began serving the community, complimented by 60 volunteers.

1918

The building housing the New Braunfels Fire Department Museum and Training Division is completed and is designated Central Fire Station.

1925

Walter Staats begins a 33-year term as fire chief and is the first paid fire chief in the department’s history.

1947

Ernest Alves, Jr. becomes the first line of duty death for the fire department, succumbing to injuries received during the Eiband and Fisher store fire.

1958

August Haster is appointed fire chief.

1960

Elmer Zipp begins a 20-year term as fire chief.

1970

The fire department begins providing the first fire department-based EMS system in the region.

1972

Melvin Nolte Sr., during a 1972 flood, becomes the department’s second line of duty death.

1982

Darvin Wetz is appointed fire chief. Fire Stations #2 and #3 are completed.

1985

The fire department begins staffing ambulances to provide advanced life support capabilities.

1987

Phillip Baker begins an 11-year term as fire chief. Fire Stations #1 and #5 are completed.

1996

The New Braunfels Firefighters Association (founded in 1986) becomes affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters and is designated Local #3845.

1998

Jack Collier is appointed fire chief.

1999

David Hartwick dies while preparing to respond to a structure fire (LODD #3).

2003

John Herber is appointed fire chief, working his way up the career ladder as fire fighter, engineer, fire marshal and battalion chief.

2008

John Robinson is promoted to fire chief and Fire Station #6 is completed and operating.