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Manistee fire station sets record for being the oldest, continually manned station in the world

Guinness World Records certified the station as the oldest continuously manned fire station in the world.

MANISTEE, Mich — These days, it seems like there's a record for everything: Tallest man, oldest dog, ugliest cat; but one man in Manistee, Michigan has done something extraordinary.

"The attempt itself is an attempt by me to pay it back to the firefighters who came before me, to the guys that are still here, to the community, and to firefighters worldwide," explained Fred LaPoint, a recently retired firefighter of the Manistee Fire Department.

He successfully petitioned Guinness World Records to add a new category and certify the Manistee Fire Station as the oldest continuously manned operating fire station in the world.

On June 17 that record was confirmed after a process that lasted two years. 

The historic firehouse has been a staple of downtown Manistee for more than a century. It was built in 1888 for just over $7,500. 

Just a few weeks after achieving the world record, Fred LaPoint retired. He served the Manistee Fire Department for 40 years and three months.

"The one thing that is constant is change."

The Manistee fire station is located at 281 First Street. They do not offer set tour times but are happy to show visitors around when staff is available.

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