Mansfield’s Fire Department – Nearly 120 Years of Service

The 1950s

Mansfield’s Fire Department was still made up of volunteers in the ‘50s. Budget struggles continued to be a challenge, and firefighters often knocked on doors around town seeking donations. Enough money was raised to build a new three-stall fire station on East Broad Street. Two-way radios were purchased, uniforms were provided, a dispatcher was hired, and fire phones were installed in 13 of the firefighter’s homes. The Mansfield Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary was organized with 9 members. The support of the Auxiliary was important for the success of the department.

1964

Growth continued, and the city secured a site for a new fire station at 210 Smith Street at a cost of $15,000. However, budgets were still tight and the city was unable to finance the construction of the new building, so the volunteers poured the concrete foundation and built a metal building. Hard work and long hours started in April, and less than three months later the building was occupied.

1968

This was the darkest year for the Mansfield Fire Department. An explosion occurred on July 31 while fighting a fire at the Red Ball gas station in nearby Kennedale. A 10,000 gallon gasoline storage tank exploded. Two firefighters died, including Fire Chief Harry Blissard and firefighter Shirley “Clyde” Copeland, who died of his injuries three days later. More than half of the other Mansfield firefighters on scene were severely burned in the explosion. Much of the department’s equipment was also lost. Assistant Chief H.E. Baxter, Jr. took over as Fire Chief. 

Mansfield’s Fire Department – Nearly 120 Years of Service

1970's

The years from 1970 to 1980 were considered the boom time. Mansfield's population in 1970 was 3,658 and grew to 8,102 in 1980. Shortly after the election of the fire department officers in 1975, it became clear that an all volunteer department could not provide adequate fire and ambulance service to the growing population. The City moved forward with plans to begin hiring paid firefighter positions. 

The first paid firefighter was hired in October of 1977. This employee worked from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week. At best, this only provided personnel to check the equipment and make sure everything was ready for an emergency. Response during the day was slow because of the limited personnel in town and most were employed in Fort Worth.

The second paid firefighter was hired in January of 1978, which provided two people at the station during the day from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. This improved responses greatly during the day until the volunteers could return from work. The first paid Fire Chief was hired in August of 1978. Then on October 1, 1979 with the employment of additional personnel, shift work started. Two firefighters per shift worked 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty provided protection to the City.

Mansfield’s Fire Department – Nearly 120 Years of Service

A Time of Transition – the early 2000s

The Mansfield Fire Department transitioned from a volunteer organization to today’s professional, all-paid department. The transition began before the turn of the century, and was not fully achieved until the 21st century. Four fire stations are currently in use, with a 5th in the planning stage for an opening in early 2021.

•    The current Station 1 was built in 1998 – replacing the original station’s location on Smith Street

•    Station 2 was built in 1988

•    Station 3 was built in 2005

•    Station 4 was built in 2009

The Fire Administration offices are located on the second floor of the Public Safety Building, 1305 East Broad Street.