Read about the history of the Virginia Fire Department!

• History of the Virginia Fire Department

• Emergency Medical Service History

• Fire Station History

• History Book 

• Run History (Fire and EMS totals) 

• Career Fire Chiefs

• In the Line of Duty Deaths

History of the Virginia Fire Department

  Volunteer Department Formed March 10, 1893

   Fire Fighter Relief Association Formed Feb. 13, 1897

 All Career Department Formed March 17, 1907

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Emergency Medical Service History

 In 1904, Matheson livery purchased a horse drawn ambulance, to serve the citizens of Virginia. It wasn’t until 1909 that the Virginia Police Department took over the operation of the ambulance service. The last two retired Fire Department horses were used to operate the newly formed Police-based ambulance. Later in 1919, City Officials requested the joint operation of the ambulance, by both the Police and Fire departments. 

Due to the increased call volume of the Police Department, it was requested that the ambulance be moved to the fire station. In 1947, the Fire Department took full possession of the ambulance along with a Pulmotor Resuscitator. This would be the first time that ambulance personnel would be properly trained in first aid, and resuscitation procedures of that time.

In the early 1970's, the introduction of Emergency Medical Training (EMT) enabled us to provide better, consistent, quality basic life support care and transportation to our citizens.

In 1987, we upgraded our services to Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance with paramedics, which we continue to provide today.

 Today the Fire Department operates three type III ALS ambulances, and one ALS first response fire/rescue truck. The Fire Department currently requires that all personnel to be cross-trained as firefighter/paramedics. The ambulance service is presently a joint operation, between the City and the City owned medical center. Virginia Regional Medical Center holds the ambulance license, provides training and equipment, as well as handling billing and collection for the ambulance. Staffing, operation, and maintenance are provided by the fire department. Ambulances are purchased by both the City and VRMC.

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Fire Station History

Former Stations:

Current Station:

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History Book

The following excerpts were taken from various newspapers and books.  The author's/and or company name are listed.

 ON THE SCENE by Frank Miro

A centennial history of the Virginia Fire Department is for sale through the family of Frank Miro. This hard covered book chronicles the 100 year history with photo’s, news articles, and stories from 1893 to 1993.  

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Village Of Virginia Wiped Out - June 18, 1893

The dry weather for weeks in May and June provided excellent fuel for the fiery demon and on Sunday… at 12:30, dinner time, the swamp angle, a steam siren at the power house, gave the alarm. By four in the afternoon the results of the efforts of 1,000 tired souls were almost completely wiped off the map. - Albert Bickford 1893

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Business District Razed - June 7, 1900

At 11 o’clock in the morning of Thursday, June 7, 1900, the dreaded “swamp angel” whistle on the Water and Light Building alerted the residents to a fire which would by late afternoon destroy the entire business portion of the city. But unlike the 1893 fire, most outlying dwellings escaped destruction. - The Virginia Enterprise June 8, 1900

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Virginia Fire Department Organized

Recognizing the fire danger to the village of Virginia from the stands of resinous timber that surrounded it. Albert Bickford was instrumental in organizing the town’s first Fire Department. On March 10, 1893, four months after Virginia was voted village status, nearly all able-bodied men in the community met at the rear of Hays Hall. They formed Virginia’s first firefighting company.   E. W. Coons, who was in the furniture and undertaking business, became the first Fire Chief. Through the generosity of O. D. Kinney, the firemen were equipped with rubber boots, coats, and helmets. A hose cart and 500 feet of hose were provided by the village. - The Virginia Enterprise 1893

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Team Makes First Run [Horse Drawn Equipment]

The new fire team [purchased from Hammel & Company for $850] made its first run to a blaze last night, being called to a fire at an east Oak Street home. And the team and handlers are doing nicely as proven by the time made in responding to the call, the first stream of water being turned on the blaze in three minutes from the tap of the gong. A second trip had to be made for additional hose, and with two streams playing the boys soon had the fire under control, their work eliciting deserved approbation.- Virginia Enterprise 30 Aug. 1907

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Council To Replace Volunteers

At its February 2 meeting, the City Council gave Chief Thayer permission to replace the three volunteers with two full time firemen, one to be paid extra for serving as the department’s electrician. This action gave Virginia a fully salaried department consisting of a chief and ten paid firemen. - Virginia Council Minutes 1909

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Run History (Fire and EMS totals)           

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History of Career Fire Chiefs       

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In the Line of Duty Deaths

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Return to Virginia Fire Department Page

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