While not much is known about Denison ’s first bucket brigade, it is known that it was formed in 1872. The Denison Fire Department was formed in 1876. It was at this same time the first horses were brought into the fire service to pull the fire wagons and hose carts. Shortly after the inception of the department, two wells were dug to help supply water. They were located at Main and Austin , and Main and Burnett. Water was struck approximately 20 feet down.

Horses were used to pull fire wagons and horse carts for 37 years in Denison until the delivery of the first fire engine on April 1, 1913 . That engine was an American LaFrance, a 750 G.P.M Pumper truck that cost the city $7,500.00.

The original Southside fire station was opened on October 16, 1913 and was equipped with one fire wagon and two horses. The first hook and ladder truck was delivered in April of 1916. This truck had no pump and was basically used to transport ladders and other equipment to the fire scene. In Sept of 1919, the second American LaFrance Pumper truck was delivered at a cost of $10,000.00.

In 1942, the fire department purchased a new American LaFrance 750 G.P.M. Pumper truck, which remained in service until 1962. It’s still part of the department today and is now used in local parades.

In 1957, Mr. McDerby (founder) and the famous Roy Rogers (part owner for awhile) of the local Yellow Jacket Boat company donated the very popular 16 foot molded plywood boat known for it's speed and durability to the Denison Fire Department. This boat was used until 1970 for water related emergencies/rescues.

The West End substation was opened in 1960 and equipped with a new Ford 750 G.P.M. Pumper to serve the area west of Maurice Avenue and the Railroad tracks.

In 1965, the new Southside substation was opened with a 1965 International 750 G.P.M. Pumper to serve the area south of Bullock St and the High School.

On January 1, 1972 the Denison Fire Department took over the ambulance services from the local funeral homes. The first vehicle used, as an ambulance was the red van donated by the Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.

Some of the more memorable fires in Denison history include the Catholic Church blaze of 1900, during which two firefighters were killed when a wall collapsed on them. They were the first two fatalities of the department. In December of 1908, the Davis Livery Stable caught fire and burned. There were 30 of the towns finest horses stabled in the structure, all of which were lost. In January of 1920, the Denison Hotel burned for a reported four days and nights. 3000 feet of hose was laid, with 6 fire streams used to combat the blaze.

At this writing, there have been 10 fire chiefs appointed to the Denison Fire Department. Bob Fisher served from 1876 until the mid 1880’s, when W.M. Yokum took over until 1890. In 1890 Vic Morefield was appointed and served until 1913. His service was interrupted for about two years around the turn of the century. It was during this time that Bill Linden served until Chief Morefield returned. In April of 1913 Mr. C. Cooper was appointed and served until his retirement in 1932. He was succeeded by O.L. Garvin, who served until 1935. Pat Lowe was then appointed and served until July 1, 1955 , when George Cravens took over and served until his death in September of 1985. At that time, Assistant Chief Bill Taylor filled in until the appointment of Dave West in June of 1986. Dave West served two years before resigning in September 1988 at which time Bill Taylor again became acting Chief. Mr. Taylor was named Chief of the Denison Fire Department on December 1, 1988.  Assistant Chief Gordan Weger was appointed Acting Fire Chief after Bill Taylor's retirement on April 1, 2005, then was appointed Fire Chief effective June 1, 2005 and still serves as chief today.