As a community plagued by numerous fires, Meridian sought to remedy the situation by organizing volunteer fire brigades. In 1882 the city central district was protected by the Mechanics Steam Fire Company Number One. Other groups soon followed but records are sketchy as to the exact dates. West End organized the Finch Steam Fire Company Number Three in 1886. Then there were the Gem Steam Fire Comp
any Number Five serving East End, the Excelsior Number Four Hose Truck Company and the Phoenix Hose Truck and Hand Engine Company. It was a matter of pride to boast of having the best volunteer company. Each group held parades and challenged the others to contests to determine which one could get to the scene of the fire the quickest. They were proud of their fire fighting ability. By 1894 Meridian could boast of having one paid fire company housed in the old city hall. In addition, there were four volunteer companies. The equipment consisted of three horse-drawn steam fire engines, five hose reels and one hook and ladder truck. There was also an electric fire alarm system. The city had in place 138 fire plugs, claiming an ample water supply from its waterworks with pressure available to any part of the city, even without the use of engines. Its yearly budget for fire protection totaled $2,344. Frank Zehler's name heads the list when one reviews the history of Meridian's fire fighters. Zehler served both during the days of the volunteers and the transition era to a city paid department. He fell from his seat driving a steamer at the corner of 6th Street and 21st Avenue, and was run over by the wheels of the wagon. Even though he later returned to duty, Zehler never fully recovered, dying a year after the accident. His is the only death ever recorded of a Meridian city fireman resulting from injuries sustained in line of duty. To Massey goes the credit of beginning the organization of the city fire department as it is today. Beginning with three paid companies, he added two more before his death in 1908
