In 1883, the village of Lorain established its first fire company. It was known as the "Eagle Hose Company" and was made up of four volunteer firemen. Teams of horses pulled the wagons loaded with hoses and equipment and steam driven pumps. The harnesses for the horses would be hung up and ready to use. When a fire broke out, the horses were rushed out of their stalls and under the harnesses which were dropped down on them. They were then rushed to the scene of the fire.