Our Story
Boone County's need for a more efficient fire district had been felt for some time. It was found after several tragic mistakes that even in so small a county as "Little Boone," the firemen could not find their way around and were wasting too much time locating fires. Places were burning down because of incomplete directions given by excited people.
In April 1947, a volunteer protection district was organized as Boone Co. Fire Protection Dist. No. 2. An assistant chief was appointed in each of the four townships, the southern half of Boone Co., that comprised the district. It totaled one-hundred forty-four square miles in all, about 750 farms and homes. The townships are Belvidere, Bonus, Flora, and Spring, but does not include the city of Belvidere. However, the thickly populated areas surrounding Belvidere are included in the tax supported Fire District No. 2 as well as all rural areas.
Milestones over the years.
1947
The District was founded by AJ Strom, Reuben Widell, Ray Morehead and Bob Mickey. The 1st new fire truck for the district was also purchased KB7.
1951
The first official meeting of the Firemen’s Association was held on Feb. 8 at Belvidere City Hall.
1953
Land purchased and the building was built for original Garden Prairie Fire Station. at 6830 Pleasant st.
1956
Land was purchased for the 1st District 2 Belvidere Fire Station at 1640 N. State st.
1963
Association helped with the fundraiser for the new fairgrounds by purchasing 2 Lifetime fair passes.
1978
Doughnut tent at the fair was started by Carole Lee and the woman’s Aux to help support the firemen.
1985
Bought long lot in Belvidere behind the old fire station that goes to Maryland Ct.
1986
Purchased land for new Garden Prairie Station on US Rte. 20 next to the church.
2003
Land was purchased and the station was built for the current BCFD2 station located at 1777 Henry Luckow Ln.
2006
BCFD#2 received a FEMA grant and was gifted vehicle 343 and specialty rescue trailer thanks to Lee Onley from Boone County EMA.
2015
BCFD2 purchased their 1st ever ladder truck for the district. Truck 351
2018
A referendum was passed in Nov. of 2018 to have the department trustees elected by the voters.
2023
A referendum was passed in March of 2023 to asses a tax for our own ambulance service consisting of two ambulances.
2023
Aug. 7th 2023 1st new ambulance went into service.
This historic event marks the first time in District 2’s history that we will be operating our own ambulance service.
2024
April 29th our second ambulance was put into service to serve our community.