The Hinckley Fire District traces its roots back to 1890, when the first volunteer fire department was organized.

In 1936, the Hinckley Fire District was formed. Originally called Squaw Grove Fire District (after the township), this formed a separate taxing body from the Village, and allowed incorporation of the rural farms around Hinckley. The District purchased the fire hose from the Village for $275. They also purchase a new, motorized fire apparatus. This GMC "Jimmy" is a Model T-18, with a National fire body. National was based in Galesburg, Illinois, and built nearly all their fire apparatus on International Harvester trucks. They paid $3900 for this truck, fully equipped. This picture was taken in front of Christensen's Garage, on Lincoln Avenue, now Tom Sparks Chevrolet. The old barn was not suitable for storing this equipment, so the Fire District rented space from Mr. Christensen until a station was built in 1961. Mr. Christensen was also a volunteer firefighter, and served the District for over 50 years until his retirement in 1992.