The total motorized strength of the Battle Creek Fire Department in 1912 consisted of four vehicles, including the three in this photo published in the Enquirer and news on Aug. 31, 1980: the chief's car, an auxiliary and a pumper. The city's first motorized fire truck arrived on July 11, 1911, and was placed into service three days later when fire scorched the cupola at the gas company plant on Fountain Street. During the first year motorized vehicles were used, the city's fire loss was reduced by one-fifth. The fire department would be completely motorized by July 25, 1917. This photograph, supplied by Alfred E. Pitt, shows the equipment outside No. 1 Engine House on West Jackson Street.