THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN MOUNTAIN VIEW
Summer Event Recap
A large crowd attended our annual ice cream social on August 4 , 2024 . The topic was “ Protecting our communitythe history of public safety in Mountain View ” at the Community Center , which allowed for the display of a large fire truck and a full-size police cruiser . Robert Maitland from the Fire Department and Doug Johnson of the Police Department presented a detailed account of the history of each organization .
On April 1 , 1874 , the “ Mountain View Station Hook & Ladder Co . No . 1 ” was formed when 50 of the town ’ s civic minded residents gathered at the “ Rogers & Rogers ” Department Store . The organization was an allvolunteer effort . In 1905 a resolution was passed to create a more “ formal ” volunteer fire department . Just a year later the 1906 earthquake occurred , which damaged the town ’ s water system and led to the expansion of the group . As the town and surrounding areas grew , additional equipment and volunteers were added .
In 1964 the volunteer organization was disbanded , and the Fire Department became a paid professional organization . Today the Fire Department operates five stations and has a paid staff of over 80 people . The Fire Department provides rescue and EMS aid as well as assisting other nearby fire departments in special conditions . The organization also provides CERT training for interested residents .
THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN MOUNTAIN VIEW
Protecting our community
THE 1920 MOUNTAIN VIEW FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Mountain View Police Department was formed after the city was incorporated in 1902 . For many years it consisted of a single officer . In 1909 the first dedicated City Hall building was erected . It housed the police department and included a jail cell , in addition to city offices and the library . The first dedicated police station was built at 947 Villa Street in 1952 . An 11-man department moved in , but by the time they relocated to the current station in
1980 , the department had grown to over 100 officers and support staff . The current public safety building was constructed in 1978 .
Today the Police Department employs over 140 individuals in a variety of specialties , such as traffic control , crisis negotiation , canine services , and detective work . Other staff members work in various administrative functions .
After the presentations people were invited to inspect the fire truck and police cruiser . Sitting in the driver ’ s seat of the fire truck was a fun way to appreciate these large and complicated vital vehicles . The police vehicle is filled with a surprising amount of communication equipment . Viewing the vehicles was a great way to conclude an interesting afternoon .
THE 1964 MOUNTAIN VIEW
POLICE FORCE
MEMBERSHIP FORM
The MVHA welcomes new members ! You can also join / renew online at www . mountainviewhistorical . org . Membership is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law . The MVHA is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 ( c )( 3 ),
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