Get out your water guns to help the Herculaneum Fire Department celebrate 75 years of service with a splash.
The Herculaneum Fire Department is holding a “water parade” beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, starting at Taylor Early Childhood Center, 400 Joachim Ave., and ending at William C. Haggard Park, 776 Joachim Ave. People should plan to arrive at 1 p.m. to receive water from the fire department.
Chris Baker, assistant fire chief, said the department wanted to do something special this year to celebrate.
“The 75th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation milestone for our department,” he said.
“We wanted to find a way to celebrate that would involve the entire community, bring families together and reflect the fun and excitement that has always been part of the fire service. A water parade felt like the perfect way to honor our history while creating new memories for residents of all ages.”
Baker said members of the department have discussed the idea of holding a water parade for several years after seeing one in person.
“It looks like one of the most interactive parades there are,” he said. “Water will be flying in both directions toward the crowd and back at the parade.”
Baker said the department encourages participants to bring water guns, water blasters, buckets and other water-themed items but no water balloons.
“Make sure to bring 5-gallon buckets, Rubbermaid-type totes or anything that can hold water to refill your water guns as the parade goes on,” he said.
Baker said the event is a family-friendly celebration of the department’s history and its volunteers, past and present.
He said the water parade offers the community a chance to say thank you and to get soaked while celebrating the milestone.
The fire department encourages residents, businesses and community groups to enter the parade, including other fire departments and emergency apparatuses, businesses and event sponsors, community organizations, school and youth groups, walking groups, special vehicles and more.
Parade participants may choose to use squirt guns, water tanks, hose systems or participate without water activities.
To register to enter the parade, visit cityofherculaneum.gov/fire-dept.
Food vendors will be at William C. Haggard Park after the parade.
For more information about the water parade or the department’s 75th anniversary, contact Matt Wadlow at mwadlow@cityofherculaneum.gov or call 636-475-3080.
History
The history of the fire department dates back to a fire that destroyed Herculaneum High School on Christmas 1947.
Although volunteers and neighboring departments responded to the fire, the building was not saved, which highlighted the need for Herculaneum to have stronger fire protection.
Twelve volunteers organized a volunteer fire department over the next four years.
In August 1951, the Herculaneum Volunteer Fire Department was officially chartered by the state of Missouri.
The 12 founding members used money from a defunct VFW post and money raised canvassing door to door to buy the department’s first fire engine, a 1931 General Monarch pumper previously owned by the Kirkwood Fire Department.
Two decades later, volunteers built the department’s first fire station by hand on nights and weekends during 1970 and 1971. In 1971, the Missouri Firefighters Association named Herculaneum its Fire Department of the Year.
The fire department remained all volunteer until 2007 when longtime volunteer Kevin Baker was hired as the department’s first full-time firefighter/EMT.
The fire department was once again recognized with the Department of the Year award in 2008, the same year it moved into its current fire station at 151 Riverview Plaza Drive.
Baker said the department has gone from 12 volunteers on one secondhand fire pumper to a modern operation with five full-time firefighters, three part-time firefighters and six volunteer members operating two fire pumper trucks, one brush truck, a side-by-side UTV, thermal imaging equipment and a rescue boat located in a newly constructed boathouse on the Mississippi River.
“We are incredibly proud of the generations of firefighters, officers and volunteers who dedicated their time, energy and sacrifice to build the Herculaneum Fire Department into what it is today,” Baker said. “From the early days of answering just a handful of fire calls each year with a single used truck, to responding to 735 calls in 2025 with modern equipment and highly trained personnel, our department has evolved to meet the growing needs of our community. Today, those calls include not only fires, but also medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and countless other requests for service.”
Baker said the department has stayed community-focused through all the changes over the years.
“Our success is not solely the result of those who have worn the Herculaneum Fire Department uniform,” he said. “One of the greatest reasons we have been able to grow and succeed over the past 75 years is the unwavering support of our community and the residents we proudly serve. The city of Herculaneum’s mayors, City Council members and administrators have supported the department through decades of growth, change and progress.
“Our residents have continually invested in public safety by supporting tax initiatives, making donations, attending fundraising events and standing beside us during some of our community’s most challenging moments. We have also been fortunate to receive support from neighboring departments, surrounding communities, local businesses and area residents who recognize the vital role a strong fire service plays in protecting lives and property.”
Baker said the 75th anniversary is not just a celebration of the Herculaneum Fire Department, but also a celebration of everyone who has contributed to its success.
“While firefighters answer the calls, it is the support, trust and commitment of the community and surrounding area that have made it possible for us to provide the exceptional level of service our residents depend on today,” Baker said. “For that, we are deeply grateful and honored to serve. As we celebrate our past, we remain committed to protecting our community for generations to come.”