1940 HIGHLIGHTS

1940

• April - RURAL PROTECTION IS TOPIC OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS.  Tentative plans for providing rural fire protection throughout Island County were discussed in a joint meeting of Coupeville and Oak Harbor fire departments. 
• June - TWO SEATTLE COUPLE RESCUED FROM BOAT - After clinging to their boat for more than 8 hours, two Seattle married couples were being given emergency treatment at the office of an Oak Harbor physician.  
• September – FIREMAN WILL HAVE NEWER RURAL TRUCK.  Coupeville Volunteer fireman voted to purchase and remodel a second-hand automobile to replace the 1924 Packard that has been serving as a rural truck. 

1941

·        July – SWEDBERG ADDS MODERN AMBULANCE TO SERVE WHIDBY ISLAND.  B.H. Swedberg, local mortician, announces the purchase of a modern Packard ambulance with which to serve the people of Whidby Island.  The new ambulance is fully equipped with all the latest features such as a complete medicine cabinet, hot water, heater and fan.

1942

·        March – VOLUNTEER FIREMEN REORGANIZE DEPT.; LES MORRIS, CHIEF. ONLY 10 MEMBERS NOW IN DEPARTMENT; - MORE NEEDED

Also elected was Robert Cushen Assistant Chief, Robert Hancock as Secretary-Treasurer.  The other members are J.W Libbey, Calvin Libbey, Tony Hanstead, Bob Edmundson, Al Sorgenfrei, Martin Elzinga and Ted Truax. (more)

·        June – FIRE SCHOOL DATES JUNE 8, 9, 10.  A three day fire school was held on Oak harbor and Mt Vernon.  Taking part in the school was Mt Vernon fire Department, demonstrating hose evolution, ladder drills; La Conner tarpaulins and fire hose, Oak Harbor, ventilation, fire hydrants, fire hose, ropes and knotting. Sanderson Supply Co. , gas masks; Navy Fire Department; Coupeville Fire Department , forcible entry and Sheriff Clark, bombs.

·        November - BABY HAS NARROW ESCAPE AS FIRE DESTROYS HOME.  A fire of unknown origin was reported to have completely destroyed a dwelling north of Greenbank.  The fire apparently broke out while no one was in the house except a baby who was rescued just in the nick of time. (more)

·        MAIL AND BUS BURN FRIDAY A.M. – The newest stage of the Mukilteo-Whidby Stage company, representing an investment of $8,000 was burned to a charred wreckage north of Coupeville.  This accident destroyed between 30 and 40 sacks of Christmas and other mail.  (more)

1943

• March - FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTS OFFICERS – Officers elected were Robert Cushman, fire chief; J.W. Libby, assistant chief; Robert Hancock, secretary and treasurer.
• March - MRS P. HODGINS DIVES IN RESCUE OF CRASH VICTIM - Mrs. Percy Hodgins, who owns a resort near Dines Point, featured in a rescue attempt to save a pilot and another occupant of a plane when it crashed near Dines Point.  The occupant, presumably a student flyer, was drowned, but the pilot was saved. She quickly took a boat and rowed to the scene of the accident, about 150 feet off shore.  She dived from the boat into the plane several times and succeeded in unbuckling the strap binding the youth under water.  The young man was freed through the planes window but was later found to be drowned.  First aid was given to the pilot and Mrs. Hodgins was given treatment for lacerations about her head and hands received during her rescue activities.

• May - ONE OF WORST WHIDBEY FIRES OCCURS MAY 19 –

CHILD’S SUMMER HOME NEAR COUPEVILLE DESTROYED

The “Rancho Rojo” summer home burned to the ground and swept with it garage, family car furniture and family positions of the J.W. Howards, caretaker.  No water for a hose connection was responsible for the complete damage.  The fire department was not called.  The home was located 1.25 miles from the new Smith Prairie airfield project.  Both Mr. Howard and his wife narrowly escaped with their lives.  The structure, a modern cottage- three years old- with a three car garage and utility room (valued at $1000) was not covered by insurance. The heat was so intense that nothing of the house was left except the concrete foundation and the chimney stack.  Not a trace of the walls remained- not even a piece of charred wood to mark their place. (more)

• September – DICK HASTIE HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE –

ONE OF THE OLDEST HOUSES BURNED TO GROUND FRIDAY (Built in 1889)

The Dick Hastie home burned to the ground in Coupeville.  The fire was started caused by sparks igniting the shavings in the woodshed from ashes dumped 17 hours before. (more)   

1944

• CENTRAL HOTEL FIRE ?????
• May - MORE FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT NEEDED –

APPRECIATION EXPRESSED MOST ELOQUENTLY BY FOLDING MONEY

Since the dramatic demonstration of bravery and efficiency last Sunday night, Coupeville has clasped her orphaned child, the volunteer fire department, warmly to her bosom.  Credited with having saved the business district of the city, the firemen are being showered with praise.  Long without adequate equipment, the needs of the department were emphasized at the Central Hotel Fire.  (more)

• STATE COMMISSIONER COMMENDS WORK OF VOLUNTEER FIREMEN

State Commissioner gives congratulations and official recognition for the firemen’s effort in stopping the Central Hotel Fire. (more)

1945

• June – DEAN’S GARAGE SCENE OF FIRE

Fire broke out about two hours after closing time.  The fire department responded promptly to the alarm but on the ride there Michael Criscuola was riding on the fire truck clinging to the ladder, when the ladder gave way and he was thrown to the ground.  The truck continued on its way, unaware of loss of ladder and passenger.  Mr. Criscuola received abrasions and was treated at Coupeville pharmacy.  The fire was extinguished and estimate of damages as between $250-$300. (more)

1946

• May - VOTE ‘WHIDBEY’ SPELLING USED IN NEW PAMPHLET – (more)
• October - TOWN INSURES FIRE DEPARTMENT

Coupeville Fire Department became insured against accident and physical impairment of any kind due to their work.

1947

• March – AL SORGENFREI ELECTED NEW FIRE CHIEF HERE

At a recent election, the Coupeville volunteer fire department elected Al Sorgenfrel as fire chief.  He replaces Martin Elzinga.  Other offers elected Warren Lindsay, assistant chief, and Joe Libbey secretary-treasure. 

• April – RESUSCUATOR PRESENTED TO FIRE CHIEF

As the Lion members hurried into the meeting Wednesday at the last minute before 7 they all paused to look at the queer looking contraption displayed on the table. From the side it looked like a metal suitcase opened up, standing on its side.  From the front could be seen hoses, the mouth mask and other intricate gadgets, which gave the impression that it was something scientific.  Extra thick tanks standing near by confirmed this impression.  Wilbur Sherman and Fred Armstrong of the Lions club were in charge of fund raising drive.  The machine attracted so much attention the fire department is considering displaying the machine to it’s purchasers at the Lions club Carnival.

Photo of Resuscitator in April

• June - DRIFTWOOD BURNS IN TWO BEACH FIRES

A fire which burned three days at Keystone was finally brought under control after having burned all the driftwood for a distance of three-fourth of a mile down the beach.  (more)

• June -  FIRE DEPARTMENT ASK FOR NEW TRUCK

WOULD FORM FIRE DISTRICT TO PROTECT OUT OF TOWN AREA

Months and years of meetings have passed since the volunteer bought a new fire truck.  The fire department is asking the Town Council to advertise for bids for the truck and equipment.

Fire Chief Al Sorgenfrei also reported that to serve the district outside Coupeville corporate limits and to acquire necessary equipment for such protection, it would be necessary to form a fire district.

• June – FIRE DISTRICT PROPOSED FOR RURAL AREA.

WOULD PROVIDE NEW EQUIPMENT TO FIGHT OUT OF TOWN FIRES

A proposal to form a fire protection district for the rural area surrounding Coupeville was set forth.  Under state law the formation of the district would allow rural area to combine with (More)

1948

• January  - RECEIVE EIGHT BIDS FOR FIRE TRUCK, PUMP (more)

The Town Council turned three bids for truck chassis and five for pumping units and equipment over to the Volunteer Fire Department for their examination. The Following bids were made:

Pumping Unit:

Acme Fire and Safety Supply                $5187.53

Howard-Cooper Corporation               $4233 + tax

Nelson Equipment Company                 $4900 (2 stage)

Nelson Equipment Company                 $4359.50 (single stage)

Nelson Equipment Company                 $5200 (high pressure fog unit)

Nelson Equipment Company                 $6000 (combination low pressure pump and high Pressure fog unit)

Chassis:

Al Sorgenfrei                                        $2226.20 (GMC truck)

Dean Motors Company                        $1774.55 (1948 Chevrolet Truck)

Acme Fire and Safety Supply                $2061.85 (Two–ton Dodge truck)

• January  - ACCEPT BID FOR STANDARD PUMP UNIT

The town council set aside they differences and accepted the low bid of Howard Cooper Corporation.  Voting on the Chassis they unanimously accepted the bid of Dean Motor Company.  The fully equipped truck is to be delivered in about three weeks.

• March – AL SORGENFREI AGAIN FIRE CHIEF

Al Sorgenfrei was re-elected Chief of Coupeville Volunteer Fire Department.  Other officers are Melvin Wilson, Assistant Chief, succeeding Warn Lindsay;   and Ray Meadors as secretary-treasurer.

• OCTOBER - NEW FIRE TRUCK ARRIVES
• OCTOBER – FIRE DEPARTMENT “NEW LOOK ARIVES

Sleek and shiny, the long awaited new fire truck arrived ready to relieve the old 1924 and 1925 Packard trucks. (more)

1949

• January – TWO SEVERELY HURT AS CARS MEET MISHAP

BROKEN BACK, BROKEN NECK ARE SUFFERED

Standing out from a series of minor crashes were two separate serious highway accidents resulting in a broken back for one man and broken neck for another. One accident occurred north of Greenbank the other happened north on the main highway. Both drivers were unable to negotiate curves in the road and both drivers were thrown from their cars.  Both drivers were taken to Everett General Hospital. (more)

• September – JACK FARMER KILLED IN TRAGIC AUTO WRECK

One of the most tragic accidents ever to happen on South Whidbey occurred on Bush Point Road.  A Total of six people were in the accident as the car failed to negotiate a curve and hit a tree killing 16 year old Jackie Farmer a Langley High School Student.

• October - NIGHT HUNTERS ARE CAUSE OF LOSS OF HOME

A rifle bullet piercing a can of butane gas caused a fire that completely demolished the home of Mr. And Mrs. Pally.  The Pally’s had purchased the home from, the old Day place, near the Greenbank Store. (more)

Important 1940-1949 Members

Joe Libby – Chief, AL Soregenfrei

Ray Meadors, Bob Cushmen, Les Morris, Calvin Libby, Warren Lindsay Joe Libby

Chet Howard, Cal Libby, Lyle Zylstra, warren Lindsay, Herman Foy, Mel Wilson, earl sandstorm