History
Wachapreague Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
How It All Began
The Wachapreague Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. was formed in the early 1940’s. It was founded in 1942 by a group of citizens that thought it was time to have fire protectors in their town. Before, if a fire broke out in town, the town’s people had to wait for a fire company to come approximately twelve (12) miles to respond to the fire. The fire company was incorporated in 1945.
The first fire engine was built by the firemen on a 1938 GMC chassis. It carried 500 gallons of water and had a small booster pump. In 1950, the firemen and Ladies Auxiliary got together to try to raise enough money to build a new fire house. The fire house in which we are still in was built in 1951. The Ladies Auxiliary raised $10,000 to build the fire house. We have since constructed several additions to the original fire station to accommodate sizes of fire and ambulance apparatus.
1950’s
In 1951, the fire company bought a new fire engine, a 1951 GMC 500 gpm with an 800 gallon tank. In 1958, the fire company bought a 1958 Ford front-mount 300 gpm and a 500 gallon tank.
In 1958, new buildings were built at the company’s carnival grounds, which was the main money raiser for the fire company. A ferris wheel and swing ride were also installed.
1960’s
In 1963, a Rescue Truck was purchased and put into operation as a light duty rescue truck.
In 1964, an addition to the fire house was erected to house the new ambulance that was purchased. This same year, the company started ambulance service for the area.
In 1968, the company purchased a new 1968 Chevrolet Ambulance and also built a 2,000 gallon tanker that was put on a used chassis. That tanker was replaced in 1970 with the purchase of a new Ford chassis with a 2,000 gallon tank and PTO pump.
1970’s
In 1970, the company bought a used van to replace the old Rescue Truck and added some additional equipment to up-date the rescue equipment.
In 1974, the company purchased a 1,000 gpm Ward LaFrance, equipped with foam system and 750 gallon water tank. In 1977, the company purchased a new Dodge ambulance.
1990’s
In 1996, a Pierce Lance (custom chassis) 2,000 gpm pumper was placed in service. In 1999, the old 1970 tanker was replaced with a new Pierce tanker (built on a Freightliner chassis).
Today
Presently, the company maintains seven (7) pieces of apparatus, including the 1951 GMC (antique) pumper and two ALS Ambulances housed at the Painter Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. The company has 35 active members and continues to own and operate the Wachapreague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival, which is the main fund-raiser for the company.