History of White Bear Lake Public Safety Interpretive Panels

The interpretive panels detailing the history of the White Bear Lake Fire Department were completed, fabricated, and installed in the city’s new Public Safety building. The project highlighted the 1929 American LaFrance Fire Pumper, which the city has owned for nearly a century. The panels were integrated into the building’s window design, making the display visible from the public sidewalk. A large two-sided banner provided imagery viewable from outside and inside the station. The displays were accessible without entering the building and featured during events such as Fire Prevention Week and local festivals.

The City of White Bear Lake, its Fire Department, and the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society collaborated to ensure the history was accurate and well researched. Letters of critical review from the historical society were considered and incorporated into the displays. This project created a lasting way for the public to engage with the area’s firefighting heritage and view a century-old symbol of the community’s commitment to public safety.