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In 1948 the Village of Maple Bluff was a pleasant and comfortable suburban area in which to live. It was well managed with superior municipal services. Fire hazard was low and the Village was protected by an agreement with the Madison Fire Department. At the time, an arrangement considered advantageous to both.
But not for long. A vociferous Madison alderman had attempted for several years to lure the Village into annexing itself to Madison. It did not happen! But Alderman Ted Boyle had a last ditch plan. He convinced the City Council that terminating the fire protection agreement would force Maple Bluff into annexation.
No Way! The Village quickly countered by establishing a Volunteer Fire Department, well equipped and under the direction and training of Chief Larry Nielson a retire Chicago Fire Department official.
The response by the young people of our Village was immediate and outstanding. The call also attracted many middle aged residents.
Volunteers were divided into several crews for strenuous weekly training, and a keen competitive spirit quickly developed. Testimony to the Department's success was a reduction in insurance rates.
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