History of the Old Richmond Fire Department
History of the Old Richmond Fire DepartmentThe need
for a fire department in the Old Richmond community began on September
20, 1941 when the Old Richmond School caught on fire and firetrucks had
to be brought from Winston-Salem. The Old Richmond Volunteer Fire Department
and Rescue Squad was incorporated on April 16, 1954. The first truck that
was bought was an Army fire truck that was purchased on May 11, 1955. The
fire station building was started during the summer of 1956 and finished
in March of 1957. Two extra bays were added in 1968 and two back bays were
added in 1983.
The department had turkey shoots, chicken stews, ice cream suppers, and
a beauty contest to raise money. The firemen also went door-to-door in
the community to collect donations. The department went on fire tax in
1988. The fire department was completely volunteer until 1999. Several
paid personnel were hired to work Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to
5:00 pm. After outgrowing the old station, a new fire station was completed
and dedicated on October 20, 2002.
