The History Of The Vinton Fire Department

With the threat of fire in the early 1920's, a group of volunteers determined the need for a fire department in the Town of Vinton. In 1925 the Vinton Fire Department was formed. The fire department's equipment consisted of a hose reel and horse cart which were located in the old municipal building, which was formerly a school. A motorized fire truck was later purchased by the town. Later a second fire truck was purchased and so began the formal training of the firemen. Unlike today, where our volunteers are not required to donate anything but their time, members of the fire department were charged a membership fee of $0.25 per month.

Past Chiefs

E.K. Short

1925-1926

A.C. Lovern

1926-1936

Pete Powell

1936-1956

Frank Spradlin

1956-1982

'Chief Emeritus' Barry Fuqua

1982-1995

Today the Vinton Fire Department is located just down the street from the original firehouse. The department operates a modern fleet of apparatus.

Current Fire Chief

Benny L. Powell

1995-Present