Image courtesy: Heinz History Center Before there was EMS as we know it, t
Station Three
Built in 1954, Fire Station 3 is the oldest working firehouse in Madison.
The station is located at 1217 Williamson Street on the near-east side and houses an engine and medic crew.
Equipment
- Engine 3 – a 2015 Pierce Engine built on a Quantum Chassis with a 500-gallon water tank and a 1250 gallons-per-minute Hale pump. This apparatus is equipped with a Class A foam system, telescoping deck gun, fire hose, and tools. In addition, Engine 3 carries emergency medical equipment including a defibrillator, oxygen, and immobilization gear.
- Medic 3 – a 2025 Demers ambulance with a Ford E-450 chassis. M3 provides advanced life support wherever needed, but primarily for downtown Madison and the near-east side. It carries a full complement of advanced life support medicine and equipment including a 12-lead cardiac monitor & defibrillator, advanced airway supplies, oxygen, and trauma care equipment. To aide in patient and paramedic safety and comfort, M3 operates with a Stryker Power Pro 2 cot, Power Load system, and Liquid Spring suspension.
Daily Staffing
- 1 Lieutenant, station officer
- 1 Apparatus Engineer (driver) operating the engine
- 2 Firefighter/EMTs staffing the engine
- 2 Firefighter/Paramedics staffing the ambulance
Fire stations develop a specific identity over time. Surrounded by a lively neighborhood with a funky vibe, Station #3 has a true community presence. A tradition among the firefighters that are assigned there is the evening “dangle.” After dinner, the crew will often sit outside the bay doors and converse with the public. It’s not uncommon to give an impromptu tour to kids and parents as they walk by. Politicians, business owners, and street people have stopped to say hello. The crew has even been serenaded by a cellist!
On its station logo, Firehouse #3 claims its place as the City's oldest working fire station.