Exploring the History of Lombard’s Fire Stations

The history of Lombard’s fire stations reveals a story of community dedication, growth, and adaptation to changing needs. The journey of Lombard’s Fire Department, beginning with a small volunteer team, highlights how each station has played a critical role in keeping the town safe. From modest beginnings to modern facilities, here’s a look back at the fire stations that have served Lombard over the years.

Lombard Fire Volunteer DEPARTMENT, TWO fire teams, fire chief in middle, NW corner of St Charles and Charlotte, School District 44 donor, 1913, LHS Collection.

Station One: Establishing a Permanent Home (1929)

As Lombard grew, so did the demand for a more equipped fire station. In November 1929, the community celebrated the opening of its first dedicated fire station on St. Charles Road. The new building not only symbolized progress but also invited residents to engage with their local firefighters during an open house in 1930. This building served the town for several decades before the community began discussions in the 1970s to modernize the facilities.

Lombard Volunteer Fire DeparTMENT, Central Station, St. Charles Road, 1930s, LHS Collection.

Expanding Coverage: Vista, and Grace Lodge Stations

Grace Lodge Fire Truck, ND, LHS Collection.

In 1955, the Vista and Grace Lodge Fire Departments united to form the Villard Fire Department, originally located at 324 N. Edgewood, near the Lombard Lagoon. Later, a new station was constructed at 635 N. Parker. By the early 1970s, Villard merged with the Lombard Fire Department (LFD), further centralizing fire services for the community.

On the south side of Lombard, the Glenbard Fire Department served the Butterfield area along Roosevelt Road. In the 1970s, Glenbard FD also merged with the LFD, although the Glenbard Fire Protection taxing district remains in place. The LFD now serves this unincorporated area. The original Glenbard station was decommissioned in 1970 when a new, modern fire station was built on Highland Avenue, ensuring enhanced coverage and resources for the growing community.

These mergers reflect Lombard’s commitment to streamlined and efficient fire protection, adapting to the community's needs while preserving historical roots.

Adapting to Modern Needs: Central Station and Beyond

The current Central Station (Station 45) on St. Charles Road, was built in the late 1980s, and marked a new chapter for Lombard’s Fire Department. This facility was the result of years of planning and community input, ensuring that Lombard’s firefighters had the space and equipment necessary for modern firefighting and emergency medical services. This station replaced the older, outdated facilities and remains a central part of the community’s safety infrastructure.

Central Station located on St. Charles Road, Steve Spoden, Lombardian, 1988.

New Stations for a Growing Town: Eastgate and Highland

Village Officals review plans for the new highland Aveune Fire Station, Lombard Spectator, 1969.

In the 1960s and ‘70s, Lombard’s growth southward led to the opening of additional fire stations. The Eastgate Fire Station on Westmore-Myers Road, established in 1963, covered the village’s south side until the 1980s, when Lombard’s firefighting strategy evolved to focus resources on more central locations. Meanwhile, Station 44, opened in 1970 at 2020 South Highland Avenue, was designed with modern firefighting standards, offering expanded space and facilities that were further upgraded in the 1990s under Chief Seagraves.

Lombard Spectatior, 1993.

Reorganization of Fire Department Is Proposed…

Lombard Spectator, 1978

This article from the Lombard Spectator (October 6, 1978) discusses a proposed reorganization of Lombard's fire department. The plan involves restructuring for better efficiency and response capabilities. It also mentions the design of a new Village Hall, which will include a civic center on Wilson Avenue.

The Closing of East Gate Station

Lombard Spectator, 1982

By the late 1970s, the Eastgate Fire Station on Westmore Avenue had not been actively used as a base of operations by firefighters. Instead, it housed an ambulance unit. In mid-October 1982, this ambulance unit was scheduled to be phased out, with plans to introduce a second advanced paramedic unit at the other two fire stations: Central Station/45 on St. Charles Road and Station 44 on South Highland Avenue.

Each station would then have a paramedic unit equipped with advanced life-support systems, ensuring coverage across Lombard without the need for the Eastgate station.

The Eastgate building was considered inadequate for modern firefighting needs, as it lacked a fire pole, which slowed response times, and there were not enough firefighters available to fully staff the station. Lombard officials discussed alternatives to constructing a third station. The estimated annual cost to operate a new station was $225,000, with additional expenses of around $50,000 for an ambulance and $20,000 for necessary equipment.

NOVEMBER 1982 WEST SUBURBAN BANK FINALIZED THE PURCHASE AND ZONING CHANGE OF THE PROPERTY, West Suburban Bank, 1983.

Fire Chief John Corbly at the time assured residents that Lombard’s fire and paramedic services remained excellent, despite consolidating to two stations. He explained that Lombard's fire insurance rating had recently improved due to this setup, lowering from Class 6 to Class 5, partially due to the decision to close the Eastgate Station.

Adapting to Modern Needs: Central Station and Beyond

Lombard Fire Deparment Education Team, 2021.

Station 45 on St. Charles Road was the product of extensive planning and community input, designed to provide Lombard’s firefighters with the space and equipment needed for modern firefighting and emergency medical services. Built to last the typical lifespan of a fire station—about 40 to 50 years—this facility replaced outdated structures and continues to serve as a vital component of the community’s safety infrastructure.

The Legacy of Lombard’s Fire Stations

Each of Lombard’s fire stations reflects the evolution of firefighting, the dedication of its past volunteers, and current staff, and the community’s commitment to safety. From the days of horse-drawn fire wagons to the advanced firefighting technologies in use today, Lombard’s fire stations have been a cornerstone of resilience and community spirit.

As Lombard continues to grow, the legacy of these fire stations serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and the importance of adapting to meet the needs of the future.