In 1868, soldiers stationed in Salt Lake City traversed the mountain from Big Cottonwood Canyon to what would become Park City, Utah. Upon exploring and digging around in the area, these soldiers found something of substantial value—silver. By 1870 the Transcontinental Railroad was bringing miners in droves to find wealth and fame in the rolling hills just East of Salt Lake City. It was around this time that the first, unofficial fire department was established in this young, blossoming mining town.
By 1884 Park City was incorporated and within a few years, boasting a population of more than 5,000. It was also in 1884, that the Park City Fire Department was officially organized by the newly formed city council.
The community continued to flourish until the mid-nineteen hundreds when it was nearly deserted due to the claims drying up. However, when the ski resorts came to Park City, the town began to grown again, adding a more official Park City Fire Protection District in 1970 to assuage the concerns of the new population. Finally, in 2002, the olympics put our city on the map permanently, and it and the district have only flourished since.
Through it all the PCFD has served the community with dedication and focus. From humble beginnings and tipsy volunteers to a committed team of highly trained professionals, the PCFD, like Park City itself has come a long way. Today we proudly serve a bustling and modern mountain town, steeped in tradition and history.
date unknown, Park City Volunteer Fire Department; inset is Edward Berry, who organized the fire department in 1881, he served as first fire chief from 1881 to about 1900.
1989 – Firefighters at fire of 1989. Firetruck (wagon) has hose in ditch also has large tank for water. Can see remains of burnt buildings up and down street. Grand Old Opera House! “Rear of Grand Old Opera House, 1898, Park City Utah”
ca.1920s, William Berry driving Park City’s first fire truck down Main Street during a parade (probably 4th of July or Labor Day)
ca.1922-1924, firemen stand with truck decorated for parade, William Berry at the wheel, William A. Gidley standing on the fender. Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society.
ca.1926, William J. Berry fire chief from 1921-1948, 1958-1960.
ca.1926, Park City Volunteer Fire Department pose in front of City Hall. Left to right, back row – William Nimmo; Angus Mitchell; Jerome Paxton, treasurer; Charles Wright Front row – William Prudence; William Murphy; George Rosevear, treasurer; G. S. Ridge, secretary; Pat Sullivan; W. B. Wilson, foreman; Albert Bircumshaw, assistant chief; W. B. Johnson; Keith Buck; George Prudence, foreman (also see the Park Record article here: https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=7981732#t_7981732)
ca. 1930s, Two fire trucks and three men in front of Fire Department and City Hall building on Main Street. William Berry at left.
1930c Exterior of 528 Main Street with open garage doors, fire truck parked in front with William Berry, fire chief standing, foot on running board. One man in doorway of building. Frame bell tower at right. Brick building housed fire station, police station, city offices.
1932 – Judge James Don’s Funeral Fire truck and flower-covered coffin of Judge James Don in back, parked in front of house. Blurred figures walk from house down steps. Taken in December, snow covers street. (firetruck that is Tooele Fireman Museum. Probably bought in 1926). James Don, a Scottish immigrant, worked as a printer, miner, postmaster, county treasurer, and until just before this death, city justice.
date unknown, William Berry driving fire truck decorated with American flags (probably 4th of July or Labor Day)
ca.1940s, Firemen get ready for parade (probably either 4th of July or Labor Day), with flags decorating their truck. On the 500-block of Main Street by Star Meat and Groceries. Man at left is Clarence Hays.
ca.1956, kids riding fire truck on Labor Day, 1956, William Berry driving, his grandson Ted Larremore is one of the kids
ca.1958, Two groups of 3 firemen stand facing camera in front of fire truck parked halfway out of City Hall (painted white). Sign on truck reads “Park City Fire Dept.”, sign on bldg. “Police Dept.” These men had served 50 years w/ Utah State Fireman’s Association. Truck is a 1945 Mack army surplus painted olive drab; truck new to Park City in 1948
ca.1950s, kids riding fire truck in either 4th of July or Labor Day parade
possibly February 1978, fire at 440 Main Street and/or 438 Main Street (Caboose/Car 19), onlookers watch as firemen work
possibly February 1978, fire at 440 Main Street and/or 438 Main Street (Caboose/Car 19), onlookers watch as firemen work
date unknown but possibly 1980s, firefighters hosing down trucks
ca.1980s, men by an old fashioned water tank used to fight fires
ca. September 1991, fire truck in the Labor Day (Miner’s Day) parade.