Earlier this week someone asked me about the history of the local Fire Department. I found way back in February of 1867, a man named A.W. Norcross donated $100 to buy a fire engine for the city. He was the Federal IRS Assessor at the time! Monroe citizens ran with it and within weeks, $2000 was raised! Thus was born the first Fire Department in Ouachita Parish.
Thanks Mr. Norcross!
West Monroe lagged behind a bit. On January 31, 1898, a group of twenty-five men met and formed the first West Monroe Fire Company. The next day a major fire struck. This highlighted the need for a Fire Department! Local citizens raised $1000 for hoses and by March the supplies were in!
Ouachita Parish History Tidbits 