The venerable Negaunee Fire Hall is seen in this photo's background. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Paulson, the Negaunee Historical Society)

NEGAUNEE — The Negaunee fire station has served the city of Negaunee since April of 1910, replacing the old one built in 1879. At the time it was constructed the fire station was considered one of the more modern in the Upper Peninsula. Most stations at that time were wooden structures.and sometimes even barns.

One of the most impressive features of the building is the 76 foot tall hose drying tower. A four sided clock was installed in the hose tower but was removed and placed in the City Building. The fire station has been added to the Register of Historic Places, based on its symbol of wealth and optimism.

Jonelle Collins lived on Main Street and she recalled what it was like to watch the firemen’s parade. I have submitted an article that she has written with appreciation for the Negaunee firemen. It’s the first Sunday in June, a special Sunday in the life of the Upper Peninsula town of Negaunee. This is the Sunday each year when our volunteer firemen march in a body, to worship in one of our local churches. Most of the time we see these friends and neighbors going about their daily tasks like the rest of us. Then there are times when we see them risking life and limb in their capacity as firefighters.

But on this day, they don their dress uniforms and publicly declare their devotion to God and our community as they parade through town. I have watched this ritual for many years, but it wasn’t until a fire nearby threatened us and our home that I realized the full impact of the skills and devotion of these men.It caused me to reflect and write down these thoughts as a tribute to our valiant volunteers. These are the feelings expressed in the poem which I have dedicated to our Negaunee Volunteer Fire Department.

Her poem: I hear the beat of the drum, Down the street here they come. The firemen are going to church. With the band in the lead, the marchers proceed, The firemen are going to church. In their uniforms blue, Such an elegant crew, The firemen are going to church. These men look so neat as they march down the street, The firemen are going to church. When the siren they hear, they’ll face danger and fear, The firemen are going to church. My eyes fill with tears, as the line disappears, The firemen are going to church. And I pause to reflect and ask God to protect, These firemen going to church.

Thanks to Jonelle for this article. I don’t know if this is still an event for the fire department but along with Jonelle, the Negaunee Historical Society pays tribute and offers our thanks for their service to the city. Please visit the memorial downtown honoring the fire department and the memorial at the cemetery paying tribute to all deceased firemen.