History of the Smyrna Fire Department
In 1916, the need for fire protection was realized by the citizens of Smyrna. Prior to this date the only fire protection was a bucket brigade or the occasional barrel placed under downspouts of the homes, however several times fires were responded to by the matter in to his own hands and built the first fire apparatus. Using a 1913 Studebaker belonging to the family, Mr. Hager set out to make a fire truck. A wooden tank was secured to the stripped body of the car. The following is a description of the apparatus taken from Walter King Hoover's book Smyrna: The Town and the Church:
" In the event of a fire , this equipment was driven to the vicinity of the fire, and after being blocked under the wheels to keep from rolling, the right axle was lifted with a hand jack placed under the axle. This let the wheel turn freely without the vehicle being in motion. From a pulley attached to the hub of this wheel , a belt properly placed, powered a water pump, that was mounted on the edge of the truck above the wheel. A two inch hose about thirty feet long was attached to carry water to the fire...."
The first engine was used for not only fires but also to sprinkle the dusty streets that were prevalent for this era.
After a devastating fire at a local church, the City Commissioners considered purchasing a fire truck. Along with these discussions, ordinances were passed and funding for a fire department was accepted. Records show that the first purchased fire apparatus cost the city $990.00
" This new engine was a shiny red T-Model Ford, equipped with three 50 gallon soda acid tanks, for in those days Smyrna had no water system."
Click on Photo for a full size view of the 1924 Model-T Fire Apparatus
At this time Ben Culbertson, the grandfather of current Fire Chief William Culbertson, was appointed the first official fire chief and placed in charge. The engine was housed at the Smyrna Auto Company, located at 108 North Lowry Street. Mr. Doss O'neal, who is pictured with the 1924 Model-T, worked at this site and kept the apparatus in good condition. In 1931, the Town Commissioners again voted to replace the 1924 Model -T. A 1931 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton truck was selected. This apparatus carried a large water tank and had a force pump mounted on the engine itself.
Click on Photo for a full size view of 1931 Chevrolet Fire Engine
By 1937 the Town was equipped with water hydrants and the 1931 Chevrolet was reworked for a smaller tank but was equipped with fifteen hundred foot of hose. No major fire losses were reported after the implementation of city water. A humorous side note from this era, was that if a fire occurred at night, the responding fire fighters would have to break a small glass pane at the Smyrna Auto Company to gain entry, due to being locked at nights. In 1941, several factors changed the fire protection. The Smyrna Air Base was developed and the city flourished with the influx of people. On July 3, 1941 the City Commissioners purchased a site located at 110 South Front St. This site was used as the city hall and fire station and was purchased for $2850.00. The upstairs was converted to living quarters and families stayed there and answered calls and maintained the equipment. During the war years the make up of the department changed due to transient workers and military personnel. In 1949 a small pay scale was initiated for the fire fighter.
The next major change was in 1955, when the Air Base allowed the Town to use a Ford chassis to make a new apparatus. the 1931 Chevrolet was replaced by a three quarter truck used to carry hose. In 1959, under the control of W.R. Culbertson, the city purchased a then top of the line Seagraves fire apparatus. This was considered the most modern of equipment. With the introduction of the new equipment, a change in the pay scale was implemented. As the need for fire protection grew so did the technology. Training was organized for the new equipment as well as the newest techniques that are needed to respond to fire calls, much like they are today.
The Town grew as the population of the air base grew. Following the announcement of the base closing in 1970, it was feared that the town would suffer and lose citizens. Instead the population grew by 47% between the years 1970 and 1980. The fire department faced the problems similar to the town by growing and requiring more equipment.
In 1984, the development of the Nissan plant again spurred growth and led to the construction of Fire Station # 3, located near the plant on Enon Springs Road. As the population of the town increased, so did the need for fire protection. The presence of more industry, made it necessary to develop the department with full-time personnel. In 1989 the fire department hired the first full time employee, William Culbertson. In 1993 Station #1 was constructed to assist fire protection for the west side of Highway 41-70s.
Today ,under the direction of Chief William Culbertson, the fire department utilizes a force of 49 trained firefighters and 6 Police officers trained also as fire fighters called Public Safety Officers (PSO's). Addition of Fire Station #5, With the Fire Station #2, the department has shown its attitude toward the future. The renovation included a 1500 sq. ft. Training room to assist the department as well as other city departments in meeting the needs of advances in technology.
Ladders One & Two
In the Fall of 2000, a new step in the growth of the Smyrna Fire Department! Fire station 5 was completed to service the Rock Springs Rd. area of the town. Considered a fast growing area, this station will service the I-24 area as well as other areas. By taking a proactive stance the department continues to grow to service the fast growing town. By taking a proactive stance the department continues to grow in order to service the fast growing town. With the expansion of the Town Limits off of the Almaville Road area, came a need for Station 6 on Morton Lane in 2008. To assist with the growth in industrial and commercial buildings in 2009 the department purchased a 100’ Mid-Mount Platform.
Tower One
Today, under the direction of Chief William Culbertson, the fire department utilizes a force of 108 trained fire fighters. The department at this time maintains an ISO-3 class rating. The Smyrna Fire Department is committed to serving the citizens and the visitors to the Town of Smyrna with the highest levels of life and property protection. We will achieve this through prevention, education, preparation, response, and suppression. The department will deliver all services with the highest level of care, professionalism and compassion shown to all those affected or in need of service.
Smyrna Fire Department
History of the Honor Guard
The Smyrna
Fire Department Honor Guard was established in September of 1999. At that time
the following fire department personnel were selected to serve as members :
Fire Fighter Justin Cross
Fire Fighter James Lawrence
Fire Fighter Lance Lee
Captain Floyd Mayes
Fire Fighter Tim Parr
Lieutenant Shane Patterson
Lieutenant Dwayne Stacey
Fire Fighter Burt Wilson
The first meeting of the Honor Guard was held on November 11, 1999. Initially,
Fire Fighter Justin Cross served as the Commander of the Honor Guard, Fire
Fighter James Lawrence served as the Honor Guard Assistant Commander and Fire
Fighter Lance Lee served as the Honor Guard Secretary.
Honor Guard Guidelines were established for all members to follow. Monthly
meeting times were established to give members an opportunity to practice
various procedures that the Honor would be required to perform. Members trained
for all of the procedures that the Honor Guard might be called upon to perform.
As new members became a part of the Honor Guard, they also received training in
these procedures.
Today the active members of the Honor Guard are as follows :
Since the establishment of the Honor Guard in 1999, the members have been called
upon to perform a variety of ceremonial functions that include the presentation
of colors and the attendance of funeral services. The members feel it is an
honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Town of Smyrna and
their community in this capacity.