History & MISSION STATEMENT:
The Bennet Fire and Rescue Department's mission is to provide the highest level of emergency public safety services through Fire Prevention, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Public Fire Education, and to Protect Life and Property in an efficient and cost-effective manner for the Bennet Rural Fire Protection District. The Bennet Rural Fire Protection District was established February 20, 1948. The farmers and the good people of Bennet had a real need for fire protection. The Rural Fire Board and the Village of Bennet went together to help provide the fire protection for the community. Sometime after May 1985 the Rural Fire District separated from the Village of Bennet. The first board members in 1948 were Harlan Hagaman, Merle Jensen, Russel King, Glen Talbot, Orris Cheney, Joe Nash. The fire district received their first fire engine on October 4, 1948. It was a Ford F5 purchased for $6,052 including hose. The next engine was a 1971 Ford LN750 that was put into service on January 30, 1971 costing $22,977. A 1970 International 1600 tanker was added soon after to help protect the district for a price of $10,400. currently has a 2020 Pierce Enforcer engine, a Danko engine/2000 gal. tanker, a 3500 gal. tanker, a rescue truck, and 3 grass units. The fire department has been housed in several building in Bennet prior to its current location. At one time it was in the building on Fir Street that currently has the mural painted on it. The fire department was once also housed at the current village office. The current Station west building was erected in 1985 for $88,594. The east building was added in 2006 for a bit over $110,000. The Bennet Fire Dept. has been an active part of the community throughout its history. They have held community runs and drama performances. For over the past 20 years they have held an annual pancake feed and open house for the community each October as part of their fire prevention and education program. We have also been active in other social events held in town and the 4th of July activities. Both men and women have served over the years in fire fighting and medical / rescue calls. We have a strong tradition and have some current 3rd generation members serving as volunteers. We average over 200 calls for service each year.
