The Tonganoxie Fire Department has a proud history. Since the late 1800s the citizens of Tonganoxie have depended on their fire department for help in times of dire need. The department was chartered in 1913 and has been continually active since that time.

The Tonganoxie Fire Department has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. At that time it had no formal organization. The City bought a hose wagon, which was available to anyone, within or outside the City, in time of need. As one could expect, it finally happened that a fire occurred within the city and the hose wagon had not been returned. Presumably, the consequences were serious. They were at least serious enough to compel the City of Tonganoxie to charter the Tonganoxie Hose Company with 8 original members, a Chief and Assistant Chief, 6 hose men and a hose wagon.

From these humble beginnings the department has evolved into a well-trained and equipped department. Currently the roster includes 4 officers and 12 fire fighters. The department owns 5 modern trucks, including a Quint ladder truck, all housed in a 5,000 square foot 5 bay building. The department recently spent $90,000 for updated bunker gear and state of the art air-pack systems. The department currently counts, among its members, two registered para-medics, eight certified EMT's and two trained First Responders.