Today, former and current Swansea firefighters say that desire to help the community is what makes them want to be firefighters.
"Once it gets into your blood, that's it," said Richard Schobert, 68, who joined the department in 1959. He also served as Swansea fire chief.
Although firefighters' motivation hasn't changed, the tools they use on the job have, said current Swansea Fire Chief John McGuire.
Years ago, firefighters wore flimsy plastic hats and rubber gloves that would melt when they got too hot. They'd also ride on the back of firetrucks with only a belt to secure them.
But today, McGuire said firefighters can enter a smoky house and see with a thermal image camera. They also wear gear that prevents them from feeling the fire's heat.
"Technology makes our jobs easier, but it also makes it harder too," McGuire said. "You still have to remember all the basics."
McGuire's grandfather, Edward Brosch, was one of the charter members of the department. Brosch was a part of the fire department's controversial beginning.
It started in August 1939 when the Belleville City Council ruled the city would no longer give Swansea fire service.
But when a Swansea house on Duncan Avenue caught fire on Oct. 28, 1939, residents called the Belleville Fire Department to extinguish it. Residents pleaded that a whole block was in danger of burning.
Belleville firefighters obeyed the Belleville City Council order. They didn't answer the calls until the mayor of Belleville gave them permission, an hour after the blaze was discovered. No one was hurt, but the house was destroyed.
Some Swansea residents blamed the Belleville Fire Department for not responding to the call. Others blamed Swansea officials for not securing fire service.
After the fire, residents remained divided on creating a fire department. It took three votes before they passed a bond to finance their own department in June 1940.
