The story of the Union Fire Company began in 1736, when Benjamin Franklin founded one of the first volunteer fire departments in America. Fast forward to 1871, when a new Union Fire Company was established in Centreville, Illinois — a small town with just 32 members at the time.

But here’s where things got a little tricky. There was another town just 10 miles south that also called itself Centreville. For about 50 years, both towns shared the same name, causing confusion among residents and local authorities.

In 1890, the southern Centreville realized they needed a unique identity. They decided to rename themselves Millstadt, and the original Centreville Fire Department eventually became the Millstadt Union Fire Company. Today, Millstadt is a historic German-American town known for its strong community spirit and deep-rooted traditions.

Despite changes in technology and society, the Millstadt Union Fire Company has remained active and dedicated. It's now recognized as the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire department in Illinois.

Back in the early days, firefighters used hand-pumped engines, wheeled hose reels, and leather buckets to fight fires. Their equipment was minimal, and their protection was even less. They responded not only to fires but also to emergencies and community events.

Today, the department is led by Fire Chief Kurt Pellman, who oversees 32 active volunteers, including his own son. While modern technology like pagers keeps them informed, the old ways still live on in stories and memories.

“We used to blow the town siren three times for a fire call,” Pellman said. “If it went off a fourth time, everyone knew to come in.”

Among the long-time volunteers are families whose ancestors arrived in the U.S. in the 1800s. Ralph Schaefer’s great-grandfather came from Germany in the 1870s, while Robert Stumpf’s family has been part of the department since the 1840s. Stumpf himself has been serving since 1956, even holding the position of chief at one point.

Butch Hettenhausen’s family has been in Millstadt since the mid-1800s, and he’s spent his entire life volunteering. “Back then, our only protection was raincoats,” Pellman recalled. “We had two boots and three coats, and we just went in without any real safety gear.”

Stumpf added, “You’d hope you got the right pair of boots. No breathing apparatus, no helmets—just courage and determination.”

The Union Fire Company covers a vast area of nearly 96 square miles in rural southern Illinois. Over the years, they’ve relied heavily on the support of the tight-knit community that surrounds them. Despite the challenges, the spirit of service has never wavered.

Even in the past, when firefighters didn’t show up for events or funerals, they were fined 50 cents. That kind of commitment defined the department’s culture for generations.

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