Chemical 1 was a three-man quick-attack unit, able to produce a water stream quickly to extinguish or hold the fire, until a larger line with in place with steam engine pressure.  It responded to nearly all still alarms and box alarms on the Peninsula (District 1), and became the busiest fire company.

May 1, 1893 – A new Crew was appointed to Chemical 1; Almus D. Butler was appointed Foreman, Michael J. O’Rourke, Driver, and Henry G. Rowe, Hoseman.  Rowe reported for duty May 8th.

1899 to 1911 – Chemical 1 was re-structured as a part of Engine Co. 5, as a “double company.” 

And a Lieutenant was assigned to the unit with the two hosemen. 

1910 to 1911 – The Permanent District 1 Deputy Chief responded aboard Chemical 1 from Headquarters. 

1911 – Chemical 1 became a separate company with a Captain assigned to the three-man crew.

1918 – Chemical 1 was motorized with a new Indiana chassis motor squad car.  The double 60-Gallon tank from the old horse-drawn Chemical wagon was refitted onto the new motorized chemical truck.

1925 – A new motorized Mack chemical and squad truck went into service as Chemical 1.  The former truck was rebuilt into a high-pressure wagon, which was used at major fires and as a spare truck. 

1935 – Chemical equipment removed, as chemical fire Companies nation-wide, were being replaced by dependable motorized pumping engines.   A booster pump with an 85-gallon tank and 450 feet of booster hose was added to the squad, making Chemical Co. 1 a “Booster & Squad Company.”  

September 8, 1943 – Chemical Co. 1 decommissioned.  The chemical company was reassigned as a new type of special services Fire Company, named as “Rescue Company No. 1” on the same date.