A hand engine was purchased in 1883 at cost of $180 together with fifty feet of hose. A small building was erected and a fire department of eight members was organized with F. H. Bishop as chief. This little band of fire eaters constituted the only protection our citizens enjoyed against the loss from fire, until several years later a more modern hand powered chemical engine was purchased. This engine carried a 60 gallon tank and was believed to be very powerful, the fire department being able to throw two streams of water 75 feet high in case of necessity. The department in 1901 had a membership of twenty-five and was provided with a large hose cart which would carry several hundred feet of hose. P. E. Cochran was chief at that time.

In the early years of Murray's existence a bell was used for general alarm either for fire or some other emergency, but when the new fire hall was built, an electric siren was installed and has been in use many years.

In 1903 water for a fire was pumped by hand out of fire wells located at the corners of the blocks in the business district. The engines were operated by four or six men, two or three on a side, and pumped the same as a hand ear and the men worked in relays. It was not until 1912 or 1913 that the engine powered fire engines were used in Murray.

In 1921 a new fire engine was purchased, consisting of combination, pump, chemical and hose cart. The cost was $2600.

The town again found need for a new engine in 1953, and this was purchased at a cost of $8000.

In 1967 an election was held incorporating three townships into a fire district, including the town of Murray. A new up-to-date engine was purchased by this district which holds 1250 gal. of water. The new engine was put into useage Jan. 10, 1968, and in the first three months after its arrival it went to 25 fires. It cost $12,000.

The current members of the fire dept. are Ronald Maffett, Chief; Elvin Soil, Asst. Chief; Jack Callison, Sec.-Treas.; Walter Williams; Edwin Allen; Lyle Parker; Larry Gray; Wilbur Vreeland; Darrell Carson; Chas. Jeter, Delbert Davidson; Curtis Burgus; Ray Webb; Dale O'Neall; Bernard Allen; Donald Wetzel; Chas. Shannon; Leonard Wolfe; George Burnett; Ed Jennings; & Mel Stroud.

Latest fire truck. Ronald Maffett, Donald Wetzel

An early Marray fire truck. The men are— R. H, Martindale, C. H. Roice, Charles Ross, A. R. Bishop, All Hoffman, F. H. Bishop, Unknown, —Taylor, Jem Evens, Unknown, Warren Lewis, John Wick, Barrie Bishop, —Eden, Unknown.

This was the third fire engine. The firemen were not identified.

Murray Fire Dept. several years ago. The men purchased their own uniforms.