Moment in Time (originally submitted to ThisWeek News for publication March 10, 2005)

Fire Chief Mearl Klingensmith, Jr. (white helmet) and four Grandview firefighters leave the fire station in Grandview's new 1924 Seagrave Suburbanite fire engine. The building was also new, having been completed in the summer of 1924 in the new community park. The previous year Mayor Thomas of Columbus cancelled the contract with Grandview that provided fire protection, forcing Mayor Ryder to propose a bond issue to build and equip a fire department for the villages. The $30,000 budget provided $15,000 to build the city hall and $15,000 for two trucks. The Seagrave Company made fire equipment in Columbus for shipment all over the world, and was owned from 1902 by Grandview resident Julius Stone. The firefighters were also deputized by Grandview Police Chief William Reed and served as police officers. One of the firefighters lived in the fire station. Recently this truck was fully restored and donated back to the City, and is used in parades and public events.