A Brief Company History

On April 6th, 1933, two firefighters were killed when the engine overturned while enroute to a call. The members were Elwood Hicks and Clarence Almony. The Company has never forgotten its ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The American LaFrance was sent back to the factory and rebuilt on a heavier chassis with dual rear wheels. It would stay in service well into the 1950s. In 1936, new technology was brought to Hereford when the volunteers took delivery of a Hoover-built Dodge truck. The pumper was outfitted with a front-mounted 400 gpm pump. The engine proved valuable in accessing water from streams and ponds. The front-mounted pump is a tradition that continues today.

During World War II the fire station served as an aircraft spotting station for the Civil Defense Bureau. To modernize the operation, the station was wired with a new telephone line and electric siren. In 1948, Hereford again made news with a crew cab pumper. The International-Howe model KB10 had a 500 gpm pump and 500 gal tank. While enclosed, crew cabs are the rule today they were rare in 1948. During the same year, the station was remodeled and enlarged. A new engine room was built and the station received a brick front. The year 1948 also saw the chartering of the HVFC Ladies Auxiliary, which supported the HVFC for over 50 years.

In 1954, more progressive steps were taken with the addition of two new pieces of apparatus. The first was a B-Model Mack triple combination pumper with a 750 gpm Hale pump. It became Engine 442. The other piece was Willy’s Jeep which became Brush Unit 443. It was valuable in fighting woods and field fires. It was also dangerous to drive in steep terrain. In 1965, Firefighter Robert Thomas was killed when the Jeep rolled during a woods fire. This tragic event would lead to improvements in Brush Unit safety.

In 1962, a completely new engine room was built on the east side of the station. This area is in use today as Bays 1-3. In 1971, Hereford received its first big pumper: the Oren-International with a 1,000 gpm Hale pump and a 1,000 gal water tank. A new Brush Unit was placed in service at the same time. The Jeep had a steel-enclosed cab and carried 65 gal of water.

The 1970s saw the construction of the first bunkroom. The response time at night was greatly improved with crews staying at the station. In 1977, Hereford entered the diesel era with a new Mack triple combination pumper. The Mack was on the roster until 1992. By 1982, HVFC was again making news with a new type of unit. Originally called a mini pumper, later Tanker Support Unit, the new piece was a 1 ton GMC 4×4 truck with a 750 gpm front-mounted pump. The unit, like the 1936 Dodge, was a good piece for gaining access to rural water sources. In 1983, a new, longer wheelbase Brush Unit was purchased. It was a Jeep Scrambler and had the same pump and tank as the former B443.

The year 1986 brought the replacement for Engine 441. The new Pierce Dash pumper was a 1,000 gpm single-stage Waterous pump and carried 1,000 gal of water. This unit was later rebuilt with an enclosed cab. A new Engine 442 arrived in 1992. The pumper was a KME Renegade with a 1,250 gpm pump and a 1,200 gal water tank.

Tanker Support 444 was replaced in 1998. It is a 4800 series 4×4 International-New Lexington. The unit has a 1,000 gpm front-mounted pump and a 500 gal water tank. The last unit purchased in the 1990s was an F350 pickup truck. Special Unit 448 was a 4×4 crew cab unit that provided fire crew support, transportation to official meetings, and was first out on most medical calls.

Much has happened in the last five years. In 2001, a new brush unit was placed in service. B443 is a Ford F250 4×4 with a skid-mounted 100 gpm pump and 100 gal water tank. Also from 2000 into early 2002, the HVFC went through the largest building campaign in its 80 year history. The fire station was completely rebuilt and a new hall was constructed. There are now six engine bays, new Fireline and Administrative offices, a new day room, and two new bunk rooms. The Summit Manor banquet hall and social hall were built on the north side of the fire station. Many community events are held in the hall.

In 2003, a thermal imaging camera was placed in service. This equipment was purchased by the HVFC Ladies Auxiliary.

In 2005, with the help of a federal grant for $225,000, a New Lexington Tanker was added to the fleet. Tanker Truck 446 includes a 3,000 gal elliptical tank on a Peterbilt chassis and a 1,500 gpm Hale Qmax pump.

In 2006, the 1986 Pierce Dash was replaced with a Pierce Dash Rescue Engine with 1,000 gal of water, a 1,500 gpm Hale Qmax pump, 30 gal of foam, a full complement of hydraulic rescue tools, three low-pressure airbags, and a vehicle stabilization lit. This new addition to the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company fleet allowed us to quickly stabilize and extricate victims injured in most automobile accidents without waiting for other specialized units to arrive.

Since its founding Hereford Volunteer Fire Company has served the community in many ways. For years the summer carnival was a highlight for families in the North County area. Today, events such as the Fall Festival, Golf Tournament, Pit Beef, and Bull & Oyster Roasts continue the tradition.