Local 642

Our History

1875-1880

Early Beginnings

The story of Fargo's fire protection begins on April 12, 1875, the very day Fargo's first mayor took office. Mayor George Egbert and the city's six aldermen appointed Barney Griffin and L. B. Cornwall as Fargo's first Fire Wardens.

Their primary duty? To patrol the city, ever vigilant for signs of fire, and to manage crowds during emergencies.

In these early days, Fargo relied on bucket brigades to combat fires. But as the city grew, so did the need for more organized fire protection.

1877-1903

The Volunteer Era

November 20, 1877, marked a significant milestone when the city council passed Fargo's first fire ordinance. This legislation established key roles:

  • Chief Engineer: Barney Griffin
  • First Assistant: Hugh McChesney
  • Second Assistant: James Stack
  • Fire Wardens: Jasper B. Chapinn and Brad Stevens

That same year, Fargo acquired its first fire apparatus: a hook and ladder rig from the Babcock Fire Extinguisher Company, delivered on December 29, 1877, at a cost of $375.

The era of volunteer fire companies began with the recognition of the Pioneer Fire Company on December 29, 1877. However, it wasn't until October 19, 1880, that Fargo saw its first officially organized and chartered fire company: the Continental Hose Company No. 1.

Other notable volunteer companies followed, including Fargo Hose Company No. 2 (1882-1884) and Yerxa Hose Company No. 3 (established December 7, 1883).

1903-1919

Transition to a Professional Force

In 1903, Fargo took a monumental step forward. The city established a paid, professional fire fighting department under the leadership of J. W. Sutherland, appointed by Mayor W. D. Sweet as Fargo's first professional Fire Chief.

Initially, Chief Sutherland commanded just three men who drove the rigs of the volunteer companies. By the end of 1904, the department had grown to ten paid firefighters, and the volunteer force was phased out.

These early professionals earned $60 per month and worked grueling hours - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It wasn't until 1919 that firefighters were granted one hour off duty for each meal.

1919-Present

Modernization and Growth

1919 was a year of significant changes, including the introduction of the two-platoon system and the transition from horse-drawn equipment to motorized apparatus.

On September 21st, 1939, Fargo's firefighters unionized, joining the International Association of Fire Fighters and adopting the name of Fargo Fire Fighters Association No. 642.

Over the decades, the Fargo Fire Department has continued to evolve, growing to focus not just on firefighting but also on proactive fire prevention.

Today, the Fargo Fire Department is the largest and one of only seven career fire departments in North Dakota. Thanks to the hard work of its members, the department enjoys an ISO Class 1 rating and International Accreditation, making it one of only a small handful of fire departments worldwide to have both. It has grown into a robust force of dedicated professionals, committed to protecting the lives and property of Fargo's citizens.

1875 - 1903

The Foundations of Fargo Firefighting

Fargo's fire protection began in 1875, when the city's first mayor George Egbert and the city’s six aldermen appointed Barney Griffin and L. B. Cornwall as the city's first Fire Wardens. As Fargo grew, so did the need for organized fire protection, leading to the establishment of a fire ordinance and several volunteer fire companies beginning in late 1877.

In 1880, Fargo saw its first officially organized and chartered fire company, and in 1903, the city transitioned to a paid, professional fire service under its first professional Fire Chief, J.W. Sutherland. What began as a small group of paid firefighters quickly grew into an established profession, bringing with it the challenges of relentless schedules, limited compensation, and difficult working conditions.

These early generations of firefighters laid the foundation for the profession and the collective representation that would follow.

1903 - 1939

The Development of a Professional Force

In 1903, Fargo took a monumental step forward. The city established a paid, professional fire fighting department under the leadership of J. W. Sutherland, appointed by Mayor W. D. Sweet as Fargo's first professional Fire Chief.

Initially, Chief Sutherland commanded just three men who drove the rigs of the volunteer companies. By the end of 1904, the department had grown to ten paid firefighters, and the volunteer force was phased out.
These early professionals earned just $60 per month (equivalent to roughly $28,000 annually in 2026) and worked grueling hours - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It wasn't until 1919 that firefighters were granted one hour off duty for each meal. 1919 overall was a year of significant changes, including the introduction of the two-platoon system and the transition from horse-drawn equipment to motorized apparatus.

As the profession evolved, so did the recognition that firefighters needed a collective voice to advocate for fair compensation, better working conditions, and their overall best interests.

September 21, 1939

The Formation of Local 642

On September 21, 1939, Fargo firefighters organized and joined the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), establishing the Fargo Fire Fighters Association No. 642, now known as Fargo Firefighters Local 642.

This marked an important milestone in the history of Fargo's firefighters. By organizing, members established a unified voice to advocate for their rights, wages, benefits, working conditions, and the future of their profession.

Through their affiliation with the IAFF, Fargo firefighters became part of a larger labor movement dedicated to advancing the fire service and protecting the interests of professional firefighters.

1939 - Present

A Legacy of Advocacy and Progress

Over the decades, Local 642 has continued to advocate for its members and the profession through collective representation, labor-management engagement, and involvement in decisions affecting public safety. Its work extends beyond wages and benefits to include workplace safety, fair working conditions, professional development, and ensuring firefighters have the resources necessary to serve their community.

In 2024, Local 642 led the effort to pass Measure 3, a one-quarter-cent public safety sales tax dedicated to supporting Fargo's fire and police services. Working alongside community supporters, Local 642 engaged with elected officials and Fargo residents to advocate for long-term investment in public safety. On November 5th, 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved the measure, demonstrating the impact of collective advocacy and community engagement.

Today, Fargo Firefighters Local 642 remains committed to representing its members, strengthening the firefighting profession, and advocating for the resources and conditions necessary to provide the highest level of public safety to the Fargo community.

And it shows - thanks to the hard work of past and present union members, the Fargo Fire Department is one of the largest in the upper Midwest, and enjoys not only an ISO Class 1 rating but also International Accreditation, making it one of only a small handful of fire departments worldwide to have both. It has grown into a steadfast force of dedicated fire service professionals, committed to protecting the lives and property of Fargo's citizens.

Our history is built on the principle that firefighters are stronger together. The progress made by previous generations established the foundation, and it remains our responsibility to carry our profession forward.

In Memoriam

Remembering Fargo Firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice

1907

William White

#1
1907

George Hartman

#5
1936

James Wyckoff

#56
1948

Edward A Josal

#92
1971

Lyle A Yaeger

#223
2008

Dan Stetz

#35