A Succinct, yet Comprehensive History of the Greentown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc

This is a summary of our first 84 years. It is our fervent desire to continue our service to our citizens and be an integral part of the Greentown community.

1938 - 1941

The Beginning

In 1938, our town fathers realized the need for local fire protection and the Greentown Civic Association was formed. The first task of the association was to appoint a committee to establish a fire department. Prior to this time, Greentown had to depend on North Canton and Hartville for fire protection. In late 1939, a two-bay station was built at the North-East corner of the town square. A few months later 24 buckets and some ladders were purchased. In April of 1941, the department purchased a used 1922 Model T “chemical” pumper. Also, in 1941, the department signed a contract with Lake Township to provide protection to the nine square miles around the town. The contract amount was $100.00 per year. Since its inception, the Greentown Volunteer Fire Department has functioned as a private company in contract with the township. Much of the early construction and equipment purchases were funded by carnivals, chicken dinners, donations, and subscriptions. Countless hours were sacrificed by the members to build and add on to the original station.

1938 - 1941

1941 - 1942

First New Pumper

The department ordered its first new pumper in 1941. A special allowance from the war board allowed the purchase to proceed and a new truck arrived in 1942. The Ford/Howe engine came fully equipped at the cost of $3,500.00. At the same time, an advanced firefighting course was provided by the State Fire Marshall’s office. In January 1943 H.C. Kissinger was appointed as Chief of the Department.

1941 - 1942

1942

Tank Truck

In 1942, the township provided a used fuel truck to be used as a tank truck. Department members equipped it with a 500 gallon per minute pump and hoses.

1942

1948

Station Addition

In 1948, the station was expanded with the addition of a truck bay, a 408 foot deep well with 3,200-gallon reserve water tank, hose tower and a second floor with a sizable kitchen and a large social hall.

1948

1958

The Department Entered The Rescue Services

In 1958, the department entered the rescue services with the purchase of an emergency truck. This truck was outfitted with an Emerson resuscitator, acetylene torch, portable generator, flood lamps and an exhaust fan and two air packs. Dr. L.E. Anderson provided first aid equipment. Red Cross first aid classes were completed by the membership.

1958

1960

Band Radios Purchased

1960 saw an enhancement in communications with the purchase of two citizen band radios.

1960

1968

Another Expansion To The Station

1968 saw another expansion to the station with the addition of four bays and a radio room. It was necessary to expand due to the purchase of newer, larger apparatus.

1968

1970's

Growth of EMT Service

The 1970’s television show, Emergency, set the stage for what was to become the public expectation of emergency medical services. The show depicted a fire department-based paramedic level service. Before this, ambulance transport was provided by local funeral homes with staff who were typically trained in first aid.

In 1976, Lake Township contracted with the three township departments to provide emergency ambulance service. Greentown Volunteer Fire Department immediately began providing first responder service with transport provided by Hartville, Uniontown or on occasion, the funeral home. A core group of interested members were trained at the basic EMT level. With the anticipated increase in calls, a new alerting system was purchased. These were not pagers, but a heavy metal box not made to be portable. Pocket pagers would not arrive for another five years.

Our first ambulance was purchased in 1977, and our first paramedics graduated in 1981.

1970's

1988 - 1991

New Fire Department

Growing pains struck again and in 1988 the department decided that it had outgrown the original station.

February 2nd, 1991 marked the opening of a new, modern fire station on Cleveland Avenue. The new building included eight vehicle bays, the chief’s office, meeting room, radio room, storage, and maintenance rooms.