Our History:
Thiry-Five years
ago in the early winter of 1964, a house caught fire and the community helplessly
stood and watched it turn to ash. Being overcome by helplessness was not
a feeling that they could live with. Claude Welch, John Retty, Walter Peck,
Harold Sumpter and Rufus Scott decided to do something about the fire danger.
With no help from the government or state, the community rallied together.
Claude Welch took on the bureaucratic obstacle of forming a volunteer fire
department. Community members held dances and rummage sales to help raise
money. With the guidance and advice from Chester Davis of the Wickenburg
Fire Department, Claude acquired equipment from the Civil War and Government
Surplus. Donations poured in from all over the community and a 1955 GMC truck
was purchased for $350. It is still in use today as a mechanical mascot.
John Retty added ladders and a siren was donated from the Peoria Fire Department.
The town's ladies club rallied as well and held a BBQ.
The struggle continues.
Equipment, insurance...these required moneys that the volunteers did not
have. Joining members were asked to pay a $5 fee. Homeowners and business
owners were asked to contribute as well. A small fee of $1 to $2 would help
protect their homes, businesses and lives.
Long before telephones and 9-1-1 had ever reached the desert, dispatching
the firemen meant that Yvonne Welch, wife of Claude, jumped out of bed, adorned
in nightgown and curlers, jumped into her car and headed down the streets
pounding on doors like a modern day Paul Revere. Other means of getting the
whereabouts of a fire to the firemen included a chalkboard mounted outside
of a local cafe.
The stubbornness
of the volunteers paid off and in May of 1966 the district was officially
approved.
To date the W V
F D runs 9 trucks, has 2 stations, a dispatch center/fire base and 34 active
members.
