The fire department has deep historic roots within the Village of Glen Carbon and has proven to be a reliable source of volunteer help when the community needs it. The Glen Carbon Chemical Fire Company No. 1 was organized on July 21, 1901 with 22 members, a handcart and 600 feet of 2-1/2” hose. The Madison Coal Corporation deeded land for a municipal building and firehouse at the crest of School Street’s steep hill, providing firemen and their equipment speedy access to homes and businesses down along Main Street. The Village Hall, firehouse and bell tower were completed in 1910 for $6000 by the Oswald Brothers of Alhambra, IL.
The bell could be heard for miles. It alerted firemen for firefighting and was used for other communications. Emergencies at the coal mines were signaled by the mine whistle and the fire bell. The bell tolled a death knell during the funeral of a firefighter and special community celebrations were heralded with bell ringing.
By the 1950’s the bell tower and bell were removed to meet safety regulations and the bell itself was placed on display at the new Fire Station No 1 on Main Street.