Serving the Cortez area since 1886.
History of the Cortez Fire Protection District
This history of the Cortez Fire Service and Fire Protection District showcases a remarkable journey from volunteer efforts to a more formalized, professional fire service.
Here's a brief overview of key milestones:
First Fire Service (1886): The first fire service in Cortez was a volunteer bucket brigade consisting of ranchers, farmers, and local citizens.
First Formal Fire Department (1911): The first organized Fire Department was established in 1911 with around 20 men. Jim Gawith was elected as Fire Chief. Due to the absence of a water system, firefighters relied on irrigation ditches, reservoirs, and wells. In 1911, the city water system and fire hydrants were introduced, and basic fire equipment, like a two-wheel hose cart, was purchased.
Growth and Changes: Over time, the organization evolved with the development of new equipment, more active volunteer involvement, and several changes within the community.
Fire Protection District (1986): In response to increased call volumes and funding issues, the Fire Protection District was formed in 1986, transitioning from a purely volunteer department. This transition also introduced compensation for volunteers through a stipend program.
Paid Fire Chief (2005-2008): Due to increasing national and state requirements and the demands placed on the Volunteer Fire Chief, Cortez hired its first full-time Fire Chief in 2008, Don Eberly. This also led to the hiring of the first part-time paid firefighters and the first Assistant Fire Chief in 2009.
Increased Coverage (2009): The Fire District began responding to all emergency calls within its boundaries, including medical calls, previously only handled when personnel were available.
Career Firefighters (2012): In October 2012, the Cortez Fire Protection District hired its first six career firefighters with the help of a SAFER grant, marking a significant shift to a combination of career and part-time firefighters working together.
The evolution of the Cortez Fire Department highlights how the community has adapted to the changing needs of fire protection and emergency services over the years.
Major Fires
March 8, 1898 – Thirteen Buildings burned – only one building was saved and one stable. This fire was located on the south side of Main Street beginning with the business located on the corner of South Chestnut and Main Streets and burning six businesses on Main Street plus six on South Chestnut. In addition, two stables burned but one building (Herman building) in the area of Citizens State Bank and one stable (off of alley behind Cortez Travel) were saved.
February 22, 1908 – Guillet Roller Mill
September 29, 1908 – Everything west of the Stone building burned and known as the Hotel Clifton Fire.
January 2, 1919 – Bozman Garage Fire – on the corner of South Chestnut and Main Street. This fire resulted in the loss of 32 cars plus the building.
November 28, 1929 – D.H. Sayler Building on Main Street (area of El Grande Café) plus damage to other buildings.
June 11, 1931 – Highway Barn (County Barn) which was located next to the First County Courthouse. This fire threatened the Montezuma County Courthouse and the Records, however, most of the Road Equipment was out at work and only the building and shop tools were lost.
About 1930 – The Mosher warehouse fire – corner of First Street and North Beech. A mass meeting was called by the townspeople to form the present fire department following this fire. Only two hose carts were available to the fire fighters. The carts were utilized until November, 1934 when the city purchased a 1933 Chevrolet fire truck. The new truck was purchased after a blaze destroyed the three buildings on West Main in November 1934.
November 16, 1934 – Buildings between Hopper Stone & Cortez Sentinel on the south side of Main Street. This fire sometimes referred to as “The Bensey Fire” and three buildings were destroyed.
April 1919 – Episcopal Church Fire
About 1930 – Congregational Church Fire
December 29, 1949 – Wark Milling Company Fire
About 1957 – Empire Electric Fire
In the 1960s – The Central Hotel Fire