The city of Peoria has released its original documentary, "Flash Point: The History of Peoria Fire-Medical Department."

This 45-minute film, produced by the city of Peoria’s office of communications, takes viewers on a journey through the 100-year history of Peoria’s Fire-Medical Department. Through testimonies of eight retired firefighters and current Fire Chief Gary Bernard, viewers learn about the department’s humble beginnings as a team of volunteers, and how it evolved into the public safety organization it is today.

“During the volunteer fire pension board meeting last year, it was revealed that Jim Kosier, the last volunteer fire chief, whose family operated the hardware store in downtown Peoria, is the last remaining original firefighter,” said Peoria Fire-Medical Department Chief Gary Bernard. “We knew we had to preserve this important story for our city and are grateful to Chief Kosier for sharing his memories in this documentary.”

The film, which can be viewed here, highlights significant moments in the department’s history, from the origins of the volunteer program, incorporating paid firefighters, to changes in firefighting technology. Viewers also learn about the start of the department’s union and important topics like mental health. The film also shows ways Peoria is recruiting future generations of firefighters through programs like the fire science program at Sunrise Mountain High School in the Peoria Unified School District.

In addition to informing and entertaining, the film is helping the Peoria Fire-Medical Department preserve history with historic pictures and documents that have never been digitized before.

The documentary is also available for viewing on Peoria’s official YouTube channel  and Facebook page, and will also air daily on Peoria Channel 11.