Clay Fire Station No. 21

History of Clay Township's First Fire Station

The roots of Station 21 trace back to the founding of the Clay Township Fire Department in 1948. Initially, the department’s vehicles were housed at the local high school, a practical arrangement that served the community well in the early days. However, in 1949, the school corporation notified Clay Township that it could no longer accommodate the fire apparatus. In response, a dedicated fire station was built at 18776 Cleveland Road, which became the department’s home for over five decades.

This original station was instrumental in serving the community until the year 2001 when a new, modern facility was constructed to better meet the needs of the growing township. The transition to the new station marked a significant upgrade in the department’s infrastructure and capabilities.

In 2013, the firehouse at Cleveland Road was officially renamed Station 21, honoring its legacy and continued service to the community. The renaming reflected the evolution of the station and its crucial role within the Clay Fire Department.

Service Area

Station 21 is strategically located at 18776 Cleveland Road, covering approximately 12 square miles of the Clay Township area. This includes a vital segment of the I-80/90 Indiana Toll Road, stretching 4 miles through the district. The service area extends from the St. Joseph River to the West, Gumwood Road to the East, Darden Road to the North, and reaches down to the University of Notre Dame to the South. This broad and diverse coverage ensures that the station is well-positioned to respond to a variety of emergencies and provide essential services to a significant portion of the community.

Housed at Station 21

Station 21 is equipped to handle a wide range of emergency situations with its comprehensive array of resources. The facility can accommodate up to 14 firefighters on a 24-hour basis, ensuring that there is always a ready team to respond to incidents. The station features six apparatus bays and houses several key units, including:

The facility, also referred to as Clay Fire Station No. 1, continues to be a cornerstone of the community, maintaining the department’s commitment to effective emergency response and public safety. The evolution from the original high school housing to the modern Station 21 represents the department’s growth and its ongoing dedication to serving and protecting the residents of Clay Township.