THE TRADITION CONTINUES... (1980 - 2006)
The History of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department
 

Written by: FF Clay Vaughan (Excerpts taken from: "The History of the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department" by Capt. Jason Stallings)
 

Pet Food Plant 1981

The next big change in the department came in 1981. The members at that time saw a need for a ladder truck to protect the community. At the time, the closest ladder was in Suffolk which was 20 minutes away. A 1949 American LaFrance with a 65' ladder was purchased from the Norfolk Fire Department for $1.00. After being placed in service the truck was sent back to the factory and had the aerial rebuilt. This truck was in service until 1991, when a 1973 Mack/Baker 75' tower was purchased. The Mack, better known as "The Dog" served the department until 2003. A 95' Spartan/AerialScope was purchased and is still in service as Truck 51.

The SVFD has always been a very strong volunteer fire department and its reputation is known throughout the state and region as being a role model department for others.

 
  The department celebrated 50 years of free service to the community on Jan 31st 1989 and continues to this day to answer the call. Currently, there are over 50 members on the role and we have opened the membership up to individuals outside of the district, further strengthening our department.

  You may have noticed that all of our helmets have a number one on the shield. The SVFD was originally station number one until 2004, when the county renumbered the stations in the county. That's how "The 50 House" was born. In order to carry on tradition, we renumbered our apparatus to the "50 series" by simply adding a 5 to the original apparatus number.

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