Back in the late 1950’s the Empire Volunteer Fire Department was called to fight a fire at the township hall on Front Street. The fire station at that time was located kitty-corner across the street. A siren mounted at the fire station blared loudly. A loosely defined group of volunteer firefighters assembled quickly. Two ancient (circa 1917-1919) Seagrave fire trucks were driven out into the street. The old trucks had wooden wheels with rubber tires that were chain-driven. The trucks had been purchased from Saginaw Township, complete with old, worn-out cotton fire hoses.