• 1874-Founded with a hand drawn wagon, two dozen leather bunkers and two 16' ladders.
  • 1876-20 volunteer men were chosen. Will Stokes appointed first Fire Chief.
  • 1911-First motorized fire truck purchased.
  • 1924-1st pumping apparatus purchased (to boost water pressure in the fire hose).
  • 1938-Fire Department moved out of City Hall, into its own building which is now the Police Department.
  • 1949-First paid men were hired, 2 men per 24 hour shift and 1 Fire Inspector.
  • 1961-Station #2 built at 5005 Broadway.
  • 1966-Ambulance services taken over by Fire Department.
  • 1972-Fire Station #1 opened at 1205 Williams.
  • 1975-Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) established.
  • 1985-EMT-defibrillators established. (pilot program)
  • 1992-EMT intermediate established.
  • 1999-Paramedic service offered.
  • 2002-Construction started on new Fire Station #2 (located at 5851 10th)

    Currently the Great Bend Fire Department operates two manned stations located at 1205 Williams and 5851 10th and one unmanned station at the air[ort

    GBFD provides fire protection for the City of Great Bend and approximately 20,000 Barton County residents in the following townships: Buffalo, Liberty, South Bend, and Great Bend.

    GBFD also provides EMS services to the City of Great Bend, Six townships, City of Albert, and City of Pawnee Rock.

    GBFD has an agreement with all surrounding county agency's to provide or receive mutual aid upon request.