Their uniform consisted of a red shirt, glazed silk cap, black pants and belt.

In 1867 the Waterloo Hook & Ladder Company turned their hook and ladder over to the newly organized German Hook & Ladder Company. Their first fire was in the old warehouse on Mill Square in 1869.

In 1873 they sold their old cart to Iowa Falls for $100 and had a new one built by Hilt & Chapman for $250. A full set of extension ladders were also constructed at this time.

The Red Jacket Engine & Hose Company No. 1 was organized in 1868 and was the first engine company in Waterloo. They purchased a Red Jacket hand fire engine for $1,000 in Chicago, IL. This engine was constructed in 1849 by L. Button of Waterford, NY for Fulton No. 3 of Utica & subsequently sold to Chicago FD No. 4 in 1853. It was then put in storage when Chicago began using steamers until purchased by the Red Jacket Engine & Hose Co. No. 1.

Their meetings were held in Capwell's building until 1872.

In 1870 the Red Jacket Cornet band was formed.

In 1874 they bought a larger Silsby 4 wheeled cart that could carry 800 feet of hose for $150 in Dubuque.

Several members withdrew from the Red Jacket and one member from the Hook & Ladder formed the Water Witch Engine & Hose Company No. 2 in 1871. They used a hand engine purchased from Janesville, WI for $600. Their first call was to Cedar Falls during the spring of 1871.

Also in 1871, 18 year-old Clarence Hollister constructed a hand fire engine that could throw water 100 feet into the air. He organized a fire company of boys whose average age was 12.

Realizing the need for a better fire protection system, prevention and prompt extinguishment of incipient fires, the City Council approved the switch to a paid fire department in 1904 under the direction of Chief Ashley A. Dunham.

Waterloo Fire Headquarters was located at 319 East Fifth Street and sported the REO, the first motorized fire apparatus in the state. Another station was located at 622 Commercial which housed the No. 2 Hose Co.