Department History
The history of the Stockton Fire Department is a rich blend of tradition and progress that reaches back to the early settlement of Stockton in the late 1840s. For the purpose of research and organizing this website, the history of the department has been split into six time spans, each significant and different from the other.
The Early Years • 1840 to 1888
In the years following a devastating fire that destroyed much of Stockton in 1849, Captain C. M. Weber helped initiate, fund, and organize the fire department in its volunteer days. Rival fire companies bid for apparatus, equipment, and quarters before becoming integrated into a paid department.
The Paid Department • 1888 to 1916 
Progress of the city pushes progress of the department including new firehouses, an exempt class of firemen, and fighting increasingly larger fires in industrial developments.
A Motorized Evolution • 1916 to 1940
The department survives the challenge of the changing into a fully motorized response, and the struggle of the great depression.
The Civil Defense • 1940 to 1971
With increasing resources being required for wartime efforts both materials and manpower would need to be supplied by the community. The organization of the Civil Defense and the role of the auxiliary would play a large part of the department’s daily operation.
A Class 1 Department • 1971 to 1995
The department strives to meet the ISO Class 1 rating while encountering a housing growth of Bay area commuters and restructuring of the city transportation. In order to provide the highest level of service, a paramedic program is initiated.
The Department Now • 1995 to Today
A more recent history of the department reflects a recent growth of the city’s economy and size and the department’s integration of technology. A national housing crisis and worldwide recession affects city operations, public services, and the community as a whole.