Fire and Police (Lockup)

When Waynesville was founded in 1797, fighting fires was a community effort led by a bucket brigade—neighbors passing buckets of water hand to hand to battle flames. This grassroots firefighting method remained in use throughout the 19th century, reflecting the town’s strong spirit of cooperation and resilience.

In 1881, Waynesville built its first Fire House on Tyler Street (now Chapman), marking a new chapter in public safety. A bell was installed above the building to sound the alarm whenever fire threatened the village. Five years later, in 1886, the town’s Lock Up—an iron cage jail cell—was moved to a small addition at the back of the Engine House, keeping law enforcement close to the heart of the community.

That same year, Waynesville proudly acquired its first steam-powered fire engine, affectionately named “Old Faithful,” which was housed in this very building. Together, the Fire House and Lock Up stand as enduring symbols of Waynesville’s commitment to protecting and serving its citizens.

The Lockup and Modern Public Safety Facilities

The Lockup, as it is fondly known today, faithfully served the community until 1952, when Waynesville took a big step forward with the construction of a new Firehouse at 165 Miami Street. This move ushered in a new era of fire protection, blending tradition with modern capabilities. The Firehouse continued to operate from that location for many years, evolving to meet the needs of a growing village.

Today, Waynesville’s Fire Department is proudly housed at 1100 Franklin Road, equipped with the latest tools and technology to keep the community safe. Meanwhile, the Police Department calls 1400 Lytle Road home, carrying on a longstanding commitment to security and service. Together, these facilities stand as symbols of a community that honors its past while embracing the future.