History

The Wilmot Fire Department was a collection of three brigades that were formed between the late 1800s and 1914. The settlement areas of Baden, New Dundee and New Hamburg formed fire brigades (departments) that purchased equipment that was available in the day.

Wilmot firefighters are extremely proud of their heritage, and it shows as many former firefighters continue to reside and be a positive impact within the community.

In 1973, the Township of Wilmot was officially amalgamated and the three brigades/departments were restructured to become the Wilmot Fire Department. Although the name changed to the Wilmot Fire Department, the individual stations continued to use their individual titles of Baden, New Dundee and New Hamburg Fire Departments.

In 2014, the Wilmot Fire Department desired to become a more unified department. This change started with the design and implementation of a new crest and the designation of Station 1 Baden, Station 2 New Dundee and Station 3 New Hamburg.

In 1973, Armand Weiler became the first standing fire chief of the Wilmot Fire Department until he retired in 1995. Subsequent fire chiefs have been Albert Walsh, John Ritz, and Michael Raine. Rod Leeson is the current Fire Chief.

Apparatus

Hand pumpers, buckets, hoses and hose reels were purchased in 1914 for the New Dundee Fire Brigade and were moved by 16 men or by horse.

In 1857 the first hand pumper was purchased for $750.00, and this was for the New Hamburg Fire Brigade.

In the late 1800's a hand pumper and hose reel was utilized by the Baden Fire Brigade and stored in a building on Beck Street in Baden which was beside the Wilmot Township Hall. These pumpers were used for fire suppression until motor vehicles became available to the fire service. The brigades were able to purchase pumpers, chemical trucks and steam pumpers to best suit their needs.

Some of this equipment still exists today and is owned by the local firefighters associations and the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigades.

Fire Stations

Baden

In 1926, the Baden Fire Brigade was reorganized as the Baden Fire Department.  At this time, the Township purchased a building on Snyder's Road East that served as headquarters. This building was the Rumpel Slipper Factory (formerly Hebel's Blacksmith Shop). The Baden Fire Department used this building until the current fire station was built in 1973.

New Dundee

In 1955, the New Dundee Fire Brigade was reorganized as the New Dundee Fire Department. The Township built a fire station in 1957 which served as the headquarters until 1990 when the current fire station was constructed.

New Hamburg

In 1969, the New Hamburg Fire Brigade was reorganized to become the New Hamburg Fire Department. The fire station is located in the heart of New Hamburg and is still being utilized today.