The Great Bend Fire Department performs many duties for the community, from fundraisers to saving lives.These duties could not be performed without the proper training and a good leader at the helm.Mike Napolitano has been the Fire Chief since 1998 for the Great Bend Fire Department.He ensures that all his men receive the best training possible.In 2015 a new way of training opened up for the firefighters of Great Bend.The burn building that is located behind Fire Station 2 provides a way for firefighters to experience a real fire in real time.“The burn building gives us a more realistic training, which allows us to do our job better.” Napolitano said.The burn building provides: • Live fire training – exposes firefighters to the true heat and smoke condition.• Watch actual fire behavior. • Confidence with personnel and equipment.• Practice different types of coordinated fire attacks.• Promote teamwork.• Practice rescue of victims.The burn building not only benefits Great Bend firefighters with training but other communities as well.According to Napolitano, Hays, Ellsworth and Russell use the burn building for their training throughout the year.It was used six times in 2015 and there are three training sessions already scheduled for this year.GBFD history at a glance1874 - Founded with a hand-drawn wagon, two dozen leather buckets and two 16’ ladders.1876 - 20 volunteer men were chosen. Will Stokes appointed first fire chief.1911 - First motorized fire truck purchased.1924 - First pumping apparatus purchased (to boost water pressure in the fire hose).1938 - Fire department moved out of City Hall, into its own building which is now the Police Department.1949 - First paid men were hired, two men per 24 hour shift and one fire inspector.1961 - Station 2 built at 5005 Broadway.1966 - Ambulance services taken over by fire department.1972 - Fire Station 1 opened at 1205 Williams.1975 - Emergency Medical Technician established.1985 - EMT defibrillators established.1992 - EMT intermediate established.1999 - Paramedic service offered.2002 - Construction started on Fire Station 2 located at 5851 10th.