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The City's fire apparatus was composed of one hook and ladder wagon and two hose carts, and the "truck," which was said to start sometimes but more often did not. The usual method of starting the vehicle was for every available man to get behind it and push it down the hill until it started -and sometimes that was clear to the beach. Valuable time was lost, especially if the fire was uphill.
On November 6, 1918, a home was destroyed by fire. Some minutes after the report of the fire, many volunteer firemen were at city hall endeavoring to start the engine of the apparaJ.us. After many futile attempts to crank the engine, the firemen decided to haul the handcart up the street to the nearest hydrant -only to find they didn't have enough hose to reach the fire. The house burned to the ground while the volunteers looked on. Obviously, the obsolete fire apparatus was not adequate to protect the lives and property of the residents of Pacific Grove.
In May of 1920, the Board of Trustees accepted a bid from the American LaFrance Company for a triple combination pumping engine, Chemical Engine and Hose Motor Car in the amount of$12,500. The City's investment in the safety of its citizens had changed forever. Upon receipt of the new engine, Vergil L. Wasson was appointed to the position of Driver for the Fire Truck at a full-time salary of$100 per month. This event marked the emergence of today's paid fire department.
The LaFrance Fire Engine purchased in 1920 is still kept and enjoyed by the City today, and is proudly displayed as our
Engine # 1 during parades and community events throughout
the year.