HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT
The Platte Valley Fire Protection District was formed in 1954, combining the Kersey Volunteer Fire Department and the Kersey Rescue Squad. A hearing was set for June 21, 1954 in District Court on proposed information for the Platte Valley Fire Protection District. The District would originally include all the lands in School Districts No. 72, Hardin; No. 73, Kuner; No. 81, Valley View, and No. 98; Kersey. It would also include all of the Gill School District, No. 87, except SW ¼-30-6-63; 31-6-63; and sections 3, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25 and 36, Township 6, Range 64. The petition stated that $30,000 would be needed for improvements and expenses in the formation of the District.
It was announced on August 11th, 1954 that bonds for the Platte Valley Fire Protection District were approved after an election. The District would then construct a fire station in Kersey and buy a fire truck. The location of the Station had not yet been decided. Proposed as first Directors of the District are George F. Jurgens, Route 4, Greeley, who lives in the Kersey School District; Fred C. Herbst, Valley View District; Gilbert Danley, Gill District; George H. Morgan, Kuner District; and Alfred Peters, Hardin District.
Our Historical Timeline
1909
The first bucket wagon was built and donated by George Mortimer and his father. Originally it had wooden spoke wheels and leather buckets. The wheels were later changed to have rubber on them so they could be pulled by a vehicle. Hose carts were also used. Once place known to have stored a cart was in the garage of the old hotel. We still have this bucket wagon.
1921
A hose cart was purchased from the Greeley Fire Department for $75. We still have this hose cart.
1947
A fire truck was to be purchased from the War Surplus Assets Board for $1,350.00
1954
The Platte Valley Fire Protection District was formed. The tax levied was 2.25 mills.
1955
The first District apparatus was a red GMC truck ordered in 1954 and delivered in 1955. Following closely behind were the first rescue units, which were a converted bread truck and a converted Ford hearse.
First District Fire Station bulit, located at 421 21st Street
1960
In the mid 1960’s, a dispute arose between the Kersey Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad and the Platte Valley Fire Protection District. They separated, but both continued to provide service.
1967
The fire department purchases their own siren and placed it on the second level of the water tower. The town and fire department sirens would have a different pitch.
1969
The Rescue Squad receives funds for a new Ambulance from federal grant money.
1970
The Kersey Volunteer Fire Department and the Platte Valley Fire Protection District join forces
1975
First Female Firefighter – Mrs. Sandy Wakeman
1976
Bond issues for new Fire Station & Apparatus
1977
New Fire Station opened at 207 1st Street
The Kersey Volunteer Fire Department starts the annual Kersey Day’s event
1998
Kersey Volunteer Fire Department name dissolved. The organization will move forward solely as the Platte Valley Fire Protection District.
2006
First career staff members were hired, including the positions of Fire Chief, Training Officer, and part-time Admin Assistant.
2008
First career daytime Firefighters hired.
2009
Water Rescue Team “Sam’s Team” was formed
2010
Mill levy passed providing 24/7 career staffing and the funding to build a new Firehouse
2012
Firehouse and burn building groundbreaking at 27128 County Road 53
Wildland Team formed (High Park Fire)
2013
New Firehouse #1 opens
Historic “500 Year Flood”
2014
Apparatus paint scheme change (Blue over White)
2016
First Battalion Chief of Operations
2018
District Master Plan completed
2019
Six People Per Shift
2020
Training ground project completed thanks to Energy Impact Grant Funding
2022
New District Logo/Patch
New District Mission, Vision, and Values
2023
First Strategic Plan Developed
Past Fire Chiefs
Bill Izzy
Buzz Bishop
Alvin Dusin
John Fahrenbruch
Stan Christman
Chuck Kler
Jim Lee
Merle Miller
Jess Bond
David Wright
David Bond
Randy Honstein
Barry Schaefer
James Klug, Present
