The 1920s

On May 12, 1921, the City of Torrance was incorporated and had it's first Council meeting. One of the first orders of business was to establish a Fire Department. The City Council appointed Ben Hannebrink, who was the Volunteer Chief, as the new paid Fire Chief. His appointment would take effect on May 23, 1921. The Fire Department was re-organized into a paid/call Department and all of the approximately 20 former volunteers were now paid $7.50 a month and required to respond to all fires. The Model T chemical engine was their first line piece of equipment.

In 1922 the Fire Department purchased its first pumper, an American-La France Triple Combination Pumper with solid rubber tires, 80 gallon chemical extinguisher and a hose reel. On November 8, 1922, the city bought property at Cravens and El Prado for $8,000.00. On this site, a combination Firehouse, City Hall and Jail was built at a cost of $13,262.18.

The 1920's were a time of growth. The size and nature of fires were also growing within the City. By 1926, an American-La France city service truck was purchased for the Fire Department. In addition to the 50' Bangor ladder and ground ladders, it had it's own pump. With this new piece of apparatus, the Fire Department had again outgrown its quarters. A new Fire Station, with the City Hall upstairs, was built next door to the existing station addressed at 1523 Cravens. The original building was taken over by the Police Department.

In 1926, Louis B. Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios filmed "The Fire Brigade," to publicize fire prevention. Proceeds of the film were to benefit the International Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) prevention campaign. On October 5, 1926 the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week, the studios' entourage left Los Angeles to promote the film. A private premiere was to be held at the IAFC Conference in New Orleans during the week of October 19-23, 1926. "The Fire Brigade" was the highlight of the Conference. The film went on to New York, where it received its public premiere. The film would be driven cross country and shown at various theaters. Each theater and Fire Department would promote it with bands, parades, fire prevention and demonstrations. One of the many stops was the old Torrance Theater on Cravens Avenue across from the Fire Station.

 

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