The Marquette Fire Department was organized as early as the 1850’s and reorganized in 1861 as Phoenix Fire Co. No. 1. After several additional reorganizations, the department was unable to halt the terrible fire of 1868, which destroyed Marquette’s business section. After this fire, plans were implemented to create a modern fire prevention system. In the late 19th century, various fire companies were organized, some by Marquette’s Irish and Germans. In 1881 the city ended its three volunteer outfits and created a central fire department headquartered on the south side of the city. The first motor truck arrived in 1926. Until 1937 the department remained on the volunteer system, except for a couple of men at each station who worked full time and were relieved by others at night. Since that time, the Marquette Fire Department has maintained a strong professional commitment to the safety of the city.