Ada-Liberty Fire Department

The buckets were then passed from one person to the next until they reached the fire. The tongue was 5 ½ ft long and made of steel.

In the early days bucket brigades were formed using buckets made of leather and rubber which were filled with water from streams, ponds, rain barrels, or wherever it was available. As early as 1860, Ada had a hand operated pump mounted on a small steel wheeled wagon which was 4 ½ ft long, 20 ½ in wide, and 10 ft deep. The pump was of piston type and had two wooden handles. It was operated by about

four men. It is now at housed at Ghost Town near Findlay. On March 11, 1874 Ada Corporation purchased a steam fire engine from Silsby Manufacturing Company for $5,900 payable at $700 a year with 7 percent interest payable semiannually. Ada was the birthplace of Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen's Association (N.O.V.F.A.), first held in 1874. Other conventions were held in 1881, 1954, and 1974, all in Ada. On Feb 12, 1883 bonds were issued to pay for seven wells and cisterns to be used in fighting fires. In August, 1884 the constitution and by-laws were accepted by the council which states – "This organization shall consist of two departments, acting together and shall be known as the Empire Fire Engine and Hose Company. This company shall not consist of more that 100 nor less than 20 active members. The officers of this company shall consist of a foreman and assistant foreman, secretary, treasurer, foreman and assistant fore of hose, and six engineers. These instructions must be strictly obeyed." The first Chief was Agnew Welsh. At the Feb 17, 1890 meeting, a committee was appointed to make arrangements so a team could pull the fire apparatus, also purchase a coal cart. Coal was purchased for $3.00 a ton, as of March 21, 1898. Council agreed to pay $2.00 for a team to haul the engine to and from fires. At the June 19, 1893 meeting, a discussion was held on combining the three divisions; engine, hose, and the hook and ladder companies into one body. Consolidation was effected October 30, 1893 and the department renamed Ada Fire Department. On Jan 21 1895, council granted a request that firemen be paid $5.00 a year. In June, 1896, a chemical fire engine was purchased. At the Nov 15, 1897 meeting Chief S.D. Willard reported the two engines in good condition, and adjourned to try out the chemical engine.

11/21/2025

It's time for Fill the Boot for Christmas! We will be taking donations today from 3-5pm on main street in front of McDonald's. Swing by and help out if you can. If not we can take online donations at the website below!

adafilltheboot.square.site

11/17/2025

Hello Everyone! We are having our yearly Fill the Boot for Christmas drive this Friday from 3pm-5pm at the intersection of Main and Lincoln. Please stop through and donate to a great cause!

ALL donations go directly to local families for Christmas gifts and food for the holidays.

We also have a Venmo store where you can donate online and we will have that up on Facebook later this week!

12/06/2024

Today! Starting at 3pm at the intersection of Main and Lincoln streets we will be collecting donations for our Fill the Boots for Christmas Charity drive.

ALL proceeds go to LOCAL families to help buy Christmas gifts and food for the Holidays.

New this year, you can donate online if you cant be in Ada!
Visit our site below to make a donation!

Anything helps, and everything adds up. This is the perfect time of year to get rid all that change in your center console!

Home | Ada Fire Department Fill the Boot

11/21/2024

Good evening!
We are POSTPONING our Fill the boot for Christmas event this Friday due to weather conditions. With rain and wind forecasted, we want to have conditions safe for everyone (since we will be standing in traffic). We will post the new date in a few days, so stay tuned.

BUT, due to popular demand at last year's event, you can now donate online from our Square site. See the link below!

Home | Ada Fire Department Fill the Boot

11/01/2024

Don't forget the time change this weekend!
Its also the best time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Working smoke detectors saves lives!!

09/17/2024

Say “I do” in the charming elegance of Liberty Oaks, Ada’s perfect venue for your unforgettable day. Whether you envision a magical outdoor ceremony in our stunning courtyard or a beautifully crafted reception in our grand hall, your dream wedding becomes reality here.

✨ Breathtaking spaces, personalized service, and memories that last a lifetime.

Book your tour today and start planning your forever! 💍👰🤵
☎️: (419) 890-3030
📧: [email protected]

Photography: Kylie Marie Photography

08/24/2024

Hey Ada Community, I know a lot of you have been following this situation. Please share‼️

Festivals, bands, and food trucks are great, but some things are bigger than that. At the heart of this festival is football, and football means community. When tragedy strikes a local community, it's up to all of us to step up, help out, and do the right thing. 🏈🖤🧡

8th Annual Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival