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The West Allis Fire Department began in 1906 as an industrial fire brigade, protecting the residents and flourishing businesses of a growing young city. This group of volunteers were called into service by a series of blasts from the Allis Chalmers whistle. Today, the department is a modern, technologically equipped workforce capable of handling any emergency, from a simple room and contents fire to serious medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and even deep tunnel rescue alarms.
"The First 100 Years" is a celebration of the dynamic development of the fire department as an element of a city system that is in the midst of drastic redevelopment. Nealy five hundred men and women have worked to help the fire department keep our community safe.
This book was written to document the history of the West Allis Fire Department's first century. It highlights the many achievements of our members in the context of the support of our community.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos in the book are from the historical archives of the West Allis Fire Department or are from the author's private collection.
Steven W Hook
Steven W. Hook (1959-2022) was professor of political science at Kent State University. In addition to this book, he was co-author of American Foreign Policy Since World War II (CQ Press, 2019, 21st ed., with John Spanier) and author of National Interest and Foreign Aid (Lynne Rienner, 1995). His edited books include U.S. Foreign Policy Today: American Renewal? (CQ Press, 2012, with James M. Scott), the Routledge Handbook of American Foreign Policy (Routledge Press, 2012, with Christopher M. Jones), and Democratic Peace in Theory and Practice (Kent State University Press, 2010). His journal articles have appeared in World Politics, International Studies Quarterly, Asian Survey, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Interactions, and other leading journals. Professor Hook received a BA (1982) in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Michigan and an MA (1990) and PhD (1993) in International Studies from the University of South Carolina. At Kent State, he received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007 and served as department chair from 2008 to 2012. He was a past president of the Foreign Policy Analysis sections of the American Political Science Association and the International Studies Association.
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