The 1930s

Torrance continued to grow even during the depression years of the 1930's. The Fire Department also continued to evolve during this decade. The City Council met on December 30, 1930 to pass an ordinance to "provide for the formation, organization and regulation of the Torrance Fire Department." As adopted on the third day of March, 1931, "The Torrance Fire Department of the City of Torrance shall consist of a Chief Engineer, one Assistant Chief Engineer, and the present active members of the Torrance Volunteer Fire Department and such other officers and firemen as may be appointed hereinafter provided."

On October 24, 1933, Ben Hannerbrink resigned as Fire Chief. The City Council appointed Allen B. Stevenson. He would remain Chief for over 5 years as the department expanded with a new station and new apparatus.

To provide fire protection for the southern part of town, two private garages were used to house the apparatus manned by the volunteers, or "call men." W.K. Adolph's garage in the Walteria section was home to the Model T Chemical engine, and the other garage was across the street from the Hollywood Riviera Beach Club.

These garages were used until land was purchased at 242nd Street and Neece Avenue and Station #2 was built. Walteria resident and call man Percy Bennet built the station in 1934 for a cost of $1,113.33. The land had cost $252.50. A 1923 four cylinder American LaFrance pumper was then acquired from the City of Upland and manned by a two-man crew. Mr. Bennet then became a policeman, and later was Police Chief.

On April 9, 1934, Torrance residents approved a proposition to establish a Civil Service Department. Two weeks later on April 24, the Civil Service Board was appointed and subsequently the position of Fire Chief became a Civil Service position.

In 1938 The city created a Department of Public Safety, combining Police and Fire services under the direction of John Stroh. He was Chief from December 1, 1938 until October 28, 1939 when the experiment was abandoned. During this short period, the Walteria Station acquired the adjoining lot for future expansion, and also had two phones installed, one at the station , the other at W.K. Adolph's garage. During the day, Adolph was in charge and at night, Lyle Sagel, one of the seven Walteria callmen, slept at the station to receive alarms.

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