It was also said at the time that when it came time to pay the bills, the members would pass the hat to take up a collection and if there was not enough money collected they would pass the hat again. The men were very proud of their accomplishments and the equipment that they had.
The building of the new Fire House located on East Second Street was starting to become a reality, the members were proud and excited to be able to move into their brand new building which consisted of two large truck bay and a meeting room and assembly hall on second floor.
As the expenses came with the new building and equipment a decision was made in the early 1940’s that the Fire Company would have a carnival to help raise the needed funds to pay the bills. The Carnival was located at the corner lot at Market Street and River Road. The Carnival helped raise the much needed funds to build the treasury, but it was it was not very popular with some of the folks that lived in Town, with one of the shows in the Carnival some of the Ladies complained to the Police Chief and demanded that the show be stopped. The Police Chief responded and “arrested” the Fire Chief and they both went to the Police Station to talk about the day’s events. This was told that the Ladies were satisfied that Justice was served. The Carnival and Show’s continued.
1941, the company joined the Sussex County Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
From the years 1941 to April, 1949 the ledgers and minute books were destroyed by fire. We are very sorry about this loss in time in our book of history. The memories will remain with those that were members during this time. In May 1949, James Hastings was elected President and David Passwaters was elected the new Chief. At their October meeting it was voted on and passed that cash prizes for Fire Prevention Essay winners were to be 1st place $3.00, 2nd place $2.00 and 3rd place $1.00. In December
As being from a small community our members were very active not only in the Fire Company but also in the Town. They helped paint the Methodist Church and they were also helped at the school.
Pictured below was the Blades School which was a one and one half story boilerroom basement frame clapboard three classroom building. The school was located on West Fourth Street where the current Blades Town Hall is located.
At a company meeting on December 13, 1949 it was decided to get each fireman their own equipment which consisted of helmet, coat and boots. The company voted and agreed on this matter.
With the desire to advance their firefighting skills the firemen wanted to have a school at their firehouse on fighting fires. A motion was made and passed at a meeting in June, 1950 to give the state notice of having this school so that other companies may attend.
Bingo made its way in November 1951 as a Fund Raiser to the Fire Company. It was also decided to purchase 100 new chairs for Bingo use.
With Bingo being held on Monday nights the Company had to change their meeting nights to the Second Wednesday of the month starting in January, 1952. At their May meeting Joshua Hare was elected President and James Knowles elected Chief.
October the Company held their First Fire Fund Drive Blitz for apparatus and took in $230.00 for the month.
December 12, 1952 the Fire Company joined the Delaware State Fire Chief’s Association. With the May,1953 elections Joe Emory was elected President and Paul Burton was voted to be the next Chief. On June 17, 1953 they hosted its first State Fire Chief’s Association meeting.
May, 1955 elections saw John Booth being elected President and Chief of the Company.
The Fire Service in Blades during 1956 would change forever as the Company decided to provide Ambulance Service to the Town and their fire district. It took time to purchase and stock the ambulance. It was decided in October the first ambulance was approved for purchase for a price of $250.00, also a resuscitator was purchased. John Booth was elected as the First Ambulance Captain. January, 1957 a stretcher was bought for $42.00 complete. Uniforms for the ambulance crews are to be rented. The First Ambulance Fund Drive was approved in September and by November $410.00 was raised. The first television was bought for $213.00 with the antenna to be installed by B.F. Goodrich.
February, 1958 the fire company hosted their first Fire Police Meeting, in March it was decided to purchase a siren for each of the three fire policemen. During the year it was also approved to purchase the Fire Police their first uniforms. Mr. Joe Jackson was given his 25 year member watch and Mr. Albert Neal was given a $100.00 war bond.
To honor the service and contributions from the company members it was decided at an April meeting that each member obtaining 25 years service would receive a watch and that others would obtain service pins for 5,10,15, 20 years of service.
William Hammond was voted in as President in 1963 and John Booth was again election to the position of Fire Chief. It was decided that if a member was on fire company business he would receive credit for alarms or meetings missed during that time. The Company decided to start receiving their mail at the Post Office and obtained a post office box. Two blue lights were purchased for use by the Fire Police, if they were not turned in the cost would be $25.00.
1964 brought questions about the deed to the Fire Company, it was later found out that the boundaries were incorrect. Walter Hearn was elected President and Alton Callaway was voted in as Chief for the coming year. That year there were several changes made to the Rules and By-Laws and expectations. Active members had to make 50% of the drills and probationary members had to make 100%, new members were to be voted in by majority instead of 3 no votes. New members would serve a six month probation. Hall rental was $25.00. The Company received a bill for the new addition from Tom Moore for $10,076.20 less 2%. Walter Hearn was elected President and Alton Callaway was elected as Chief.
John Booth was elected President and Alton Callaway elected Chief in 1965. That year the company sold the old ambulance for three hundred and fifty dollars.
1966, Alton Callaway was again elected Chief and Charles Hare was elected President. The company meeting nights were changed to the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The 1938 Chevy Fire Truck was sold to Holloway Nursery for $567.00. The Bell was to be removed from the truck and put on the trophy rack.
Mr. Paul Burton and Mr. John Booth were presented their 25 year watches in 1967. Charles Hare once again was elected President and re-elected to the position of Chief was Alton Callaway. Mr. Nutter Marvel gave permission to install a fire siren on his property known as Lambden’s American Service Station.
Changes in 1968 were made to the By-Laws that when new members were voted in they must serve one year probation. The May elections were held and both Charles Hare and Alton Callaway retained their positions.
Again in 1969, Charles Hare was re-elected President and Alton Callaway was re-elected Chief. The Sunshine Committee stated that flowers were to be sent to family members and the annual fund had collected over 2,500 dollars.
Several changes were seen during the year 1970, Alton Callaway was again re-elected, Wilton Porter would be sworn in as the new President. Soda machine prices had to be raised to 15 cents, the company decided not to fill swimming pools anymore. Ambulance Attendant certification went to Jack Rigby, Ronald Callaway, Arlan Neill, Wayne Chaffinch and Robert Kagey Jr. Wayne Chaffinch was appointed to the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association Executive Committee.
1971, the new Constitution and By-Laws were read and passed by a vote of 15yea to 3 no’s. The company decided to purchase a 1966 Ambulance in March and paid it off in June. Wilton Porter and Alton Callaway were again returned to their respective offices.
The year 1972, the elections were moved to January with Arlan Neill being elected as President and Alton Callaway again re-elected to the position of Chief. New home alert systems were introduced if any member wanted one they had to purchase them the cost was $160,00.
Elections in 1973 were for President Charles Hare and Alton Callaway Chief. The company approved the purchase of a 1973 Cadillac Ambulance.
William Hughes was elected in 1974 and Alton Callaway was elected again as Fire Chief. In February the Company had paid $8,500 for 3.5 acres of land that was to be the home of the new Fire House. Also that year they received their Federal Tax Exemption. A large fund drive was underway to raise fund for the new fire station, raising over $5,500 dollars, the Ladies Auxiliary presented a check for $1,000.00 from their recent fund raisers.
1975 would be an exciting year, the elections saw Harvey Simpson being elected President and Wayne Chaffinch being elected as the new Chief of the Company, Ambulance Captain would Charles Walmsley. The Building Blitz would continue throughout the year. Many contracts were signed towards the completion of the new fire house. September would be the month that we moved into the new building. The first event to be held in the building was a dinner and dance as part of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Convention that was hosted by Seaford Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1976 the old Fire House was sold. Ed Maas was elected as President and Wayne Chaffinch was re-elected at Chief. Bob Kagey was elected as Ambulance Captain. Moving in the new building Bingo games were starting to make a lot of money for the company with much of the proceeds to be paid on the mortgage.
During the year 1977, The cost for the welding needed to finish the Brush Truck would be less than $800.00. The Company decided to submit a bid to the Milton Fire Company for their Rescue truck. Robert L. Kagey was elected President and Wayne Chaffinch again was elected Chief of the Company.
Robert L. Kagey was re-elected in 1978 to be the President along with Wayne Chaffinch as Chief and George Joseph Jr. as Ambulance Captain. In May, Alton Callaway was elected as President. The Company received a Check for $28,235.38 from the Insurance money from the State. Tate Engineering submitted a cost of $987.00 to complete the tanker. A tank trailer was received from Peninsula Oil Company. A committee was formed to try to find a tractor. Smoke Gard smoke detectors were being sold by the company. The Fire Company took delivery of their new Mini-Pumper from Hamerly. Blue and Gold jackets were approved for each member making 80% of their requirements. The company decided to put out for bids for the old tanker and to buy an aluminum trailer from Wilson Baker. A letter was to be sent to the Town of Blades thanking them for the help in obtaining funds for the company.
After many months of preparation the Blades Volunteer Fire Company celebrated their 50th Anniversary during the month of May, 1984 with Carl Pobst as the Chairman of Anniversary Committee. The Fire Company hosted a large Parade with many fire companies, elected officials and other participants. The Fire Company also held an Open House to allow the many visitors to see the many items on display. A five mile run took the runners throughout our district. A movie was made showing our members in action and our equipment. It was a showcase event.
Moving on to 1987, Wayne Chaffinch was re-elected as Chief and Wayne Merritt was sworn in as the new President. It was reported in the January meeting that one of our Charter Members had passed away, Mr. Virgil Magee the previous week. A committee was formed for the purchase of a new ambulance. The Fire Company will assist Seaford Fire Department with the Firemen’s Convention.
1988 saw Keith Long being elected as President along with Wayne Chaffinch, Chief. Two bids were received for the new ambulance. It was reported that the new ambulance would be at the station in June, the final cost would be $54,210.00. New Junior members joining the company are Bryan Callaway, Dwayne Chaffinch, Paula Chaffinch, Scott Crockett and Mark Passwaters. With the elections coming up the voting was changed to elect the Administrative Officers on the odd years and the Line Officers on even years with each being a two year term.
Elections for 1989 has Wayne Chaffinch as Chief, Donald Trice as President and David Ruff elected Ambulance Captain. After many years with having Bingo, discussion was held what about the cost of having Bingo and the profits not being what they used to be. Four members were qualified to use the M.A.S.T. trousers on the Ambulance. Donald Trice was elected President due to the resignation A letter by Chief Chaffinch to the State Chiefs Association was sent on behalf of Jim Hastings to be made Lifetime member of Fire Police. A new electronic blood pressure unit was put on the ambulance at a cost of $2600.00. Fire Company received a new Hurst Rescue Tool.
Wayne Merritt was elected President in 1990. Bob Mullen was voted on to become a lifetime member after a report was given by Norman Hastings and John Booth.
During the year many changes were made to the By-Laws of the company. Tony Jewell was voted in as a Junior member. As a major fund raiser for the company it was decided to host a Circus on the land owned by Dave Webb. Company received a letter of Thanks from Blades Mayor Esther Head for the help that was given during the “Septemberfest 90” day in the Park. Bob Mullen received an award from Mr. Biff Lee for Fire Police. Ty Mill was voted in as a Junior member at the October 10th meeting.
Bill Hurlock was elected to become the new Chief for the year 1991 to 1992. With the increase in membership it was voted to change the By-Laws to allow 80 members with 15 places being reserved for Junior Membership. Carl Pobst donated $2000.00 in memory of his son so that the members can get their Hepatitis B shots. A plaque will be installed in the Fire House. After many months of discussion the new building generator was installed. New Pierce Fire Truck has been ordered.
Wayne Merritt was re-elected President for the year 1992-1993. The new Pierce Lance Fire truck 71-9 has arrived and put in service. Discussion was held on Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention 93 was discussed with the possibility of having one of the dance’s in the hall. New Command vehicle was purchased. At the Annual Firemen’s Convention David Ruff and Janet Massey were presented with a State Ambulance Attendant Award by the Ambulance Association and Randy Walls was presented the Heroic Fireman of the Year by the State Chief’s Association.
The elections were held for 1993-1994 with Earl Chaffinch, Jr. being elected as Fire Chief. As a fund raiser the Fire Company booked Allen C. Hill promotions to put on the show Aladdin.
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Nominations and elections for Fire Chief and Ambulance Captain for 1999-2000 term has Randy Walls being elected Chief and Paula Chaffinch as Ambulance Captain. Donation were being accepted for Toy For Tots. New lighting was installed in the banquet hall. A motion the old #5 out for bids but the motion was defeated. New security gates were installed at Cool Branch development. Laurel Fire Department will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary on October 25th. Discussion started on whether to renovate or build a new fire house. A truck committee was formed to plan for a new rescue truck. File of Life program started for Ambulance. Key pad entry system was installed on ambulance garage door to make it easier to gain entry to building. New dive equipment has been put in service.
The start of the 2000 has Randy Walls being re-elected to the position of Chief for the 2001-2002 term along with Paula Chaffinch being re-elected for Ambulance Captain.
The Administrative Election for the Years 2000-2001 has Earl Chaffinch, Jr. being elected as President. The Car Show had a profit of $1600.00. Spring Fest at Blades School, we will have a Fire Truck and Ambulance there for the kids. A Report for the past three year of the Haunted Forest showed a profit of over $29,900.00. Some used equipment if going to be donated to the West Grove Fire Department in West Virginia. At a special election Steve Collins was elected President. Motion was made and passed to purchase a new Pierce Heavy Rescue truck expected delivery in seven months. Representative Tina Fallon presented Commendation Award from the House of Representatives to the members that received awards at our Annual Banquet. Hiring a full time EMT was approved at the June, 01 meeting. Due to the height of the new rescue truck the engine bay doors need to be raised to accommodate. In October the company ordered a new Command vehicle.
Donald Trice was elected President for the years 2002-2003. New Holmatro rescue tool were ordered, the new equipment to cost $63,000.00. Smoke Detectors will be given out free at the fire house. With the arrival of the new rescue truck, all the equipment installed, the old rescue truck was sold to Greenbackville Fire Company in Virginia. New concrete floors were poured in the engine bays due to the weight of the new trucks.
Nominations and elections were held for the Line Officers with Ronald Fensick being elected Chief and Paula Chaffinch being elected for the years 2003-2004. New replacement Suburban from Burton’s had a price increase of $2019.00. On behalf of State Representative Tina Fallon, Blades Mayor David L. Ruff presented Certificates of Commendations from the House of Representatives to those members receiving awards at the Fire Companies last banquet at the next Town Council meeting. Chief Fensick announced that the truck committee will meet regarding a new brush truck. The used 71 Command was sold to Georgetown Fire Company. The generator that was given to the Town to use as an emergency back-up was given back to the Fire Company, it was decided to donate the generator to the Sharptown American Legion. Lightning struck once again at the fire house radio tower knocking the system down. Chief Joey Pepper brought the command unit over for the company to see after they had everything converted over. Chief Fensick thanked everyone for their help during the hurricane and flooding that we had. The bids for the purchase of the pump unit for the rescue truck was approved to purchase from Morean’s Fire Equipment in the amount of $25,745.00. The company received a $500.00 donation from Conectiv Power for the Hurricane Isabel storm.
Donald Trice was re-elected President of the company for the years 2004-2005. Received a donation from the Soroptimist Club in the amount of $500.00. After several months of looking as Ambulance Specifications it was decided by the company to purchase the new ambulance from PL Custom Emergency Vehicles. Once again the fire company is accepting donations for the Toys for Tots program.
Ronald Fensick was elected Fire Chief for the year 2005-2006 along with Paula Moore as Ambulance Captain. A bid for the used ambulance was received and accepted from the Allen Fire Company in Allen, Maryland for $25,000.00. Past Mayor BJ Hardin was made an Honorary Member of the Company. New awnings were purchased for over top of the doors, they will have the company logo on them. Paula Moore resigned as Ambulance Captain, Chad Passwaters was elected to fill the remaining term. A letter of support was sent to the Sussex County Firemen’s Association for Donald Trice to become a director. The Company received a letter of “Thanks” from the Seaford Fire Department for the use of our ambulance while both of theirs were out of service.
Election time has Martin Evans being elected the next President for the year 2006-2007 term of office. On March 11, 2006 Brush Truck 71-1 was dedicated to the memory of Arlan Neill. It was reported that the old Engine #5 had been vandalized that was in the storage building. Plans are in the works for replacing the tractor trailer tanker. The Fire Company is looking at a parcel in Town for the possibility of building a new Fire Station.
Dusty Hamilton received the Heroic Fireman of the Year from the Delaware Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association.
The election for line officer for the years 2007-2008 has Randy Walls being elected as Fire Chief and Lisa Fensick being elected Ambulance Captain. At the February meeting is was voted on to purchase a 2007 Pierce Velocity Tanker at a cost of $550.000.00. The Building and Ground’s committee have been getting plans together to build a new fire station or to refurbish the existing one. Motion was made to purchase a 2008 PL Custom ambulance on a Chevrolet chassis. At the December meeting voting was completed for the incoming Administrative Officers with Ronald Fensick being elected as the incoming President for the 2008-2009 term of office.
As the members of the Blades Volunteer Fire Company come together to celebrate our 75th Anniversary we would like to say “Thanks” to all the men and women that have served this Fire Company during this time. A Special Thanks to our families that have supported us while we were at a fire or ambulance call or doing training. Thanks to the many different Fire Company’s and Departments and their members that came to assist when called. To the memory of those members of the fire Company that brought us to where we are today. I hope that this booklet will give you a brief history of what has happened in the past seventy five years. I would like to thank those that have helped research the minute books for the information that is provided.