Back in 1947, several friends who regularly gathered at the lakeside inn known as Bezdeks (later known as Mombasha
Inn) became concerned with fire protection in this southern tip of Monroe. In particular they noted the winding and unpaved
road, recognized the risks, and subsequently decided to form a fire company.
The original Fire Company was inaugurated as Lake Mombasha
Fire Company, but later, to avoid being confused with existingMombasha Fire Company the name was changed to "The Lakeside
Fire Company". It was changed once more in June of 1991 to "Monroe Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company" as a more accurate reflection
of the region it serves. Because the region was not highly populated in 1947, most of the early fires were barn and brush
fires. The newly formed fire company purchased its first fire truck from the Mombasha Fire Company - a 1923 Mack truck that
had no roof, a hand cranked siren, and could be outrun on foot.
Al Berninger who was the fire chief throughout the 50's kept the fire truck at his service station garage (now known
as 'The Hot Spot Deli & Pizza') until the new firehouse was built across the street in 1970. The First set of officers
for Lake Mombasha Fire Company included: Harry Bonser, Ken Lewis, George Kup Jr., Bernard Judson, and Ernest Kloiber.
The original complement of volunteers numbered 19, compared to today which
numbers over 44; 12 of whom are certified EMT-D's. From its modest origins, the Monroe Lakeside Fire & Rescue Co. Inc.
has grown alongside its community. The volunteers pride themselves on their level of preparedness, and all members are cross-trained
in rescue and EMS procedures. Lakeside runs fire and rescue drills every Monday evening. The range of drills run from Driver
Training (for safe, effective operations, and getting to and from scenes) to Automobile Extrication, live burns at the Fire
Training Center.
