Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department

The Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department serves the city of Fairfax.

The department was established on March 26, 1928, electing W. W. Beattie its first president.[1]

The department bought its first siren in 1929, and a steel tower for the siren was given to the department by the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department of Arlington. However, it was decided at the December 13 meeting that year that instead of erecting the tower behind the law office of John W. Rust as originally planned, that the siren would instead be placed on the roof of Dove's, a local lunch room.[2]

On April 12, 1932, the department voted to begin construction of a new fire house on Mechanics Street (now University Boulevard) on land donated by William F. Carne, owner of the Fairfax Herald newspaper.[3] The cinder block and brick building was formally dedicated on September 24, 1932.[4]

The department remained an all-volunteer force until 1940, when the first paid members were added.

The city took over control of fire and rescue services in 1978[5], with the volunteers continuing to serve alongside the paid employees.

References

  1. ↑ "Fairfax Organizes Fire Department." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 3. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Mar 27 1928. Web. 27 June 2012.
  2. ↑ "Firemen of Fairfax Pick Site for Siren." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Dec 14 1929. Web. 27 June 2012>
  3. ↑ "Fairfax Firemen Decide to Start Building Quarters." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 13. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Apr 13 1932. Web. 27 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "Fire Engine House Will be Dedicated." The Washington Post (1923-1954): 5. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). Sep 24 1932. Web. 27 June 2012.
  5. ↑ "Fairfax City Takes Over its Fire, Rescue Services." The Washington Post (1974-Current file): VA24. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Washington Post (1877-1995). May 04 1978. Web. 27 June 2012

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