Fire History
History of Maryville Fire Department
1915
The Maryville Fire Department was organized. The city covered .3 square miles and had a population of 3,500.
John H. Mitchell was the city's first fire chief with an all volunteer fire fighting force. John Mitchell is a distant relative of the former fire Chief Ed Mitchell. City minutes show that in July 1915, Ajax Fire Engine Works offered an engine for a 30 day trial.
1916
700 feet of hose and two hose reels were bought from Eureka Fire House for $450.00 and two notes, totaling $1,192.00 were approved for the department.
1917
Fire suites were ordered and a fire alarm was bought. At this time, Maryvillians could have 1 pig per household if the pig was kept in a sanitary pen.
1918
A one ton fire truck, costing $655.00 was bought to go with the hose ordered from Eureka Fire Hose Mfg. Co. The truck and hose were kept in a public garage and operated by employees of the street department. The truck was a Ford Model-T, equipped with four ladders, fire extinguishers, and fire hose. Parks Eagleton drove the truck home on many occasions and parked it beside his house.
1919
Eagleton who was a brother of Darrell Eagleton, founder of Costner and Eagleton Ford Motor Company of Maryville, became Maryville Fire Chief. His pay was $85.00 a month and he also received rent for storing the fire truck. His salary was soon cut to $50.00 a month but the Police Chief got $85.00 a month plus $1.00 for each arrest that proved guilty and had paid fines and costs.
1920
Maryville City fathers discussed buying a fire truck and otherwise equipping and maintaining an up-to-date fire department. The records show that the services of driver Parks Eagleton on the City Department are no longer needed. That same year the Kiwanis Club wanted Depot Street (now Ellis Ave.) put on the protected district of the fire department.
1922
Records show the city owing $1,100.00 to Campbell Sales Company for a "Speed Wagon or fire truck."
1926
The G.W. Greer garage on Main Street was completely destroyed by fire. Included in the loss were nearly 100 cars, six buses and two touring cars. Unfortunately for the City, all current fire equipment was also housed in the garage. Everything was a total loss. The fire was investigated by the State Fire Inspector and arson was cited as the cause.
Glenn Huffstetler was appointed the new Chief of the Fire Department.
1927
City of Maryville Purchases a 1926 American Lafrance Fire Engine.
Population 3,739, City is still .3 square miles in area.
Rubber coats and metal helmets were purchased to go with the new engine.
A tract of land on Church Street in downtown Maryville was purchased for the construction a Fire Station. The purchase price was $4500.00.
1929
A report was submitted by the fire chief to the commission on the activities of the department from August 4, 1928 through July 29, 1929. The report stated the department had responded on 54 alarms for a total cost of $923.94. The average per call was $17.11. A 1930 Chevrolet Truck with a flat hauling bed and a 100 gallon tank was purchased by the fire department.
1935
Mr. P.K. Keny was appointed the Fire Chief.
1936
First paid firefighters in the City of Maryville. Population is 5,280.
1940
Fire Chief Paul Keny died while in office and was replaced on December 14 by Mr. Dewey Monroe.
1952
City purchased a 1952 International, a Cadillac of the industry for that time.
1954
City purchased a 65 foot La France Aerial and added on to the fire hall to house the new ladder truck.
Ray Wells was hired as Fire Chief,
1955
The city received notification that its class 6 ISO grading would remain in effect.
This was the first mention of an ISO class rating in the minutes of the city. It was determined that the area built for the fire department in the new municipal building was not large enough to accommodate their equipment. The fire department was thus forced to stay in their old building. A new addition attached to the municipal building for the fire department was not constructed until 1972.
Mr. Robert Locke was appointed the new fire chief.
1957
The city purchased a 1957 Ford Panel Truck to serve as a fire chief's vehicle and utility truck.
1960
Population 10,348 and area is 3.2 square miles.
1964
The fire department purchased a 1964 American-LaFrance Fire Engine with a 1000 gpm pump. The cost of the apparatus was $23,547.00.
Fire Chief Robert Locke resigned and was replaced by Mr. Stanley Hannah on August 1, 1964.
1967
October 31 (Halloween) Station 2 opened.
Population 12,026, area is 3.96 square miles.
Borrowed a pumper from Blount County Fire Department because a train derailed en route with new pumper.
Glen Thomas was chosen as the new fire chief, replacing Stanley Hannah.
1972
New Headquarters moved from Church Street to the location at the Maryville Municipal Building.
Population is 13,808, area is 6.7 square miles.
The city purchased a 1972 American-LaFrance Pumper. The cost was $49,660.00. The apparatus was ordered with a 1000 gpm pump, but arrived with a 1250 instead. The apparatus did not go into service until March of 1973.
1975
Shifts went to a rotation of 24 on 48 off. Had to hire 7 new firefighters.
1977
Purchased new brush truck, Jaws of Life and started using 3" supply hose.
1979
Bruce Hill was selected as the new fire chief, replacing Glen Thomas.
1980
Population is 17,464, area is11.46 square mile.
1988
Traded 77 model brush truck for new 4x4 rescue truck.
Went to 4" supply hose.
Hired first training officer and conducted first rookie school.
Ken Abbott was appointed as the new Fire Chief, replacing Bruce Hill. The department purchased a 1988 model E-One Custom pumper at a cost of $160,000. It became Engine One, replacing the 1972 American LaFrance as the first run engine.
1989
Hazardous - Materials response program incorporated.
1991
A Commercial 1991 International Fire Engine was placed in service.
1994
Started first responder emergency medical response (EMS) program.
1995
Ed Mitchell becomes Fire Chief. Population is 22,000 area is 17 square miles.
1995
The department occupied Station 3, located adjacent to the Foothills Elementary School. An additional eight firefighters were hired at this time to support the new station along with the purchase of a custom 1995 E-One pumper. The population was 22,000, encompassing 17 square miles.
1996
MFD lowered its ISO rating to a 3.
2000
MFD implemented two Fire Operations Commanders; Gary West & David Hodges.
2005
The City of Maryville Fire Department moved into its new fire headquarters at the Maryville Municipal Center.
2006
The City of Maryville Fire Department moved David Hodges into the Deputy Chief’s position.
2007
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program.
The City of Maryville Fire Department put its new quint into service which was a 2007 Sutphen 75’ aerial fire truck.
2008
The department achieved Accreditation Status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International/Center for Public Safety Excellence. The City of Maryville Fire Department became the third accredited department in the state and the 123rd in the country.
Fire Chief Ed Mitchell retired and Tony J. Crisp became Fire Chief.
2012
The Cities of Maryville and Alcoa’s Fire Departments implemented an automatic aid program adding four additional firefighters to Cities of Maryville and Alcoa’s fire scenes.
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its new digital radio system for Blount County Public Safety.
2013
The City of Maryville Fire Department successfully completed re-accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Implemented a pilot program with the City of Alcoa Fire Department utilizing eight part-time firefighters that via their schedule, added an extra firefighter to each shift every day for both departments.
2014
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its first Citizens’ Fire Academy.
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its Fire Department Honor Guard in a joint effort with the City of Alcoa Fire Department
2015
100 Year Anniversary
2018
ISO Rating dropped to a 2/2X
2019
Re-Accredited
The Maryville Fire Department was organized. The city covered .3 square miles and had a population of 3,500.
John H. Mitchell was the city's first fire chief with an all volunteer fire fighting force. John Mitchell is a distant relative of the former fire Chief Ed Mitchell. City minutes show that in July 1915, Ajax Fire Engine Works offered an engine for a 30 day trial.
1916
700 feet of hose and two hose reels were bought from Eureka Fire House for $450.00 and two notes, totaling $1,192.00 were approved for the department.
1917
Fire suites were ordered and a fire alarm was bought. At this time, Maryvillians could have 1 pig per household if the pig was kept in a sanitary pen.
1918
A one ton fire truck, costing $655.00 was bought to go with the hose ordered from Eureka Fire Hose Mfg. Co. The truck and hose were kept in a public garage and operated by employees of the street department. The truck was a Ford Model-T, equipped with four ladders, fire extinguishers, and fire hose. Parks Eagleton drove the truck home on many occasions and parked it beside his house.
1919
Eagleton who was a brother of Darrell Eagleton, founder of Costner and Eagleton Ford Motor Company of Maryville, became Maryville Fire Chief. His pay was $85.00 a month and he also received rent for storing the fire truck. His salary was soon cut to $50.00 a month but the Police Chief got $85.00 a month plus $1.00 for each arrest that proved guilty and had paid fines and costs.
1920
Maryville City fathers discussed buying a fire truck and otherwise equipping and maintaining an up-to-date fire department. The records show that the services of driver Parks Eagleton on the City Department are no longer needed. That same year the Kiwanis Club wanted Depot Street (now Ellis Ave.) put on the protected district of the fire department.
1922
Records show the city owing $1,100.00 to Campbell Sales Company for a "Speed Wagon or fire truck."
1926
The G.W. Greer garage on Main Street was completely destroyed by fire. Included in the loss were nearly 100 cars, six buses and two touring cars. Unfortunately for the City, all current fire equipment was also housed in the garage. Everything was a total loss. The fire was investigated by the State Fire Inspector and arson was cited as the cause.
Glenn Huffstetler was appointed the new Chief of the Fire Department.
1927
City of Maryville Purchases a 1926 American Lafrance Fire Engine.
Population 3,739, City is still .3 square miles in area.
Rubber coats and metal helmets were purchased to go with the new engine.
A tract of land on Church Street in downtown Maryville was purchased for the construction a Fire Station. The purchase price was $4500.00.
1929
A report was submitted by the fire chief to the commission on the activities of the department from August 4, 1928 through July 29, 1929. The report stated the department had responded on 54 alarms for a total cost of $923.94. The average per call was $17.11. A 1930 Chevrolet Truck with a flat hauling bed and a 100 gallon tank was purchased by the fire department.
1935
Mr. P.K. Keny was appointed the Fire Chief.
1936
First paid firefighters in the City of Maryville. Population is 5,280.
1940
Fire Chief Paul Keny died while in office and was replaced on December 14 by Mr. Dewey Monroe.
1952
City purchased a 1952 International, a Cadillac of the industry for that time.
1954
City purchased a 65 foot La France Aerial and added on to the fire hall to house the new ladder truck.
Ray Wells was hired as Fire Chief,
1955
The city received notification that its class 6 ISO grading would remain in effect.
This was the first mention of an ISO class rating in the minutes of the city. It was determined that the area built for the fire department in the new municipal building was not large enough to accommodate their equipment. The fire department was thus forced to stay in their old building. A new addition attached to the municipal building for the fire department was not constructed until 1972.
Mr. Robert Locke was appointed the new fire chief.
1957
The city purchased a 1957 Ford Panel Truck to serve as a fire chief's vehicle and utility truck.
1960
Population 10,348 and area is 3.2 square miles.
1964
The fire department purchased a 1964 American-LaFrance Fire Engine with a 1000 gpm pump. The cost of the apparatus was $23,547.00.
Fire Chief Robert Locke resigned and was replaced by Mr. Stanley Hannah on August 1, 1964.
1967
October 31 (Halloween) Station 2 opened.
Population 12,026, area is 3.96 square miles.
Borrowed a pumper from Blount County Fire Department because a train derailed en route with new pumper.
Glen Thomas was chosen as the new fire chief, replacing Stanley Hannah.
1972
New Headquarters moved from Church Street to the location at the Maryville Municipal Building.
Population is 13,808, area is 6.7 square miles.
The city purchased a 1972 American-LaFrance Pumper. The cost was $49,660.00. The apparatus was ordered with a 1000 gpm pump, but arrived with a 1250 instead. The apparatus did not go into service until March of 1973.
1975
Shifts went to a rotation of 24 on 48 off. Had to hire 7 new firefighters.
1977
Purchased new brush truck, Jaws of Life and started using 3" supply hose.
1979
Bruce Hill was selected as the new fire chief, replacing Glen Thomas.
1980
Population is 17,464, area is11.46 square mile.
1988
Traded 77 model brush truck for new 4x4 rescue truck.
Went to 4" supply hose.
Hired first training officer and conducted first rookie school.
Ken Abbott was appointed as the new Fire Chief, replacing Bruce Hill. The department purchased a 1988 model E-One Custom pumper at a cost of $160,000. It became Engine One, replacing the 1972 American LaFrance as the first run engine.
1989
Hazardous - Materials response program incorporated.
1991
A Commercial 1991 International Fire Engine was placed in service.
1994
Started first responder emergency medical response (EMS) program.
1995
Ed Mitchell becomes Fire Chief. Population is 22,000 area is 17 square miles.
1995
The department occupied Station 3, located adjacent to the Foothills Elementary School. An additional eight firefighters were hired at this time to support the new station along with the purchase of a custom 1995 E-One pumper. The population was 22,000, encompassing 17 square miles.
1996
MFD lowered its ISO rating to a 3.
2000
MFD implemented two Fire Operations Commanders; Gary West & David Hodges.
2005
The City of Maryville Fire Department moved into its new fire headquarters at the Maryville Municipal Center.
2006
The City of Maryville Fire Department moved David Hodges into the Deputy Chief’s position.
2007
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented the Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program.
The City of Maryville Fire Department put its new quint into service which was a 2007 Sutphen 75’ aerial fire truck.
2008
The department achieved Accreditation Status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International/Center for Public Safety Excellence. The City of Maryville Fire Department became the third accredited department in the state and the 123rd in the country.
Fire Chief Ed Mitchell retired and Tony J. Crisp became Fire Chief.
2012
The Cities of Maryville and Alcoa’s Fire Departments implemented an automatic aid program adding four additional firefighters to Cities of Maryville and Alcoa’s fire scenes.
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its new digital radio system for Blount County Public Safety.
2013
The City of Maryville Fire Department successfully completed re-accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Implemented a pilot program with the City of Alcoa Fire Department utilizing eight part-time firefighters that via their schedule, added an extra firefighter to each shift every day for both departments.
2014
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its first Citizens’ Fire Academy.
The City of Maryville Fire Department implemented its Fire Department Honor Guard in a joint effort with the City of Alcoa Fire Department
2015
100 Year Anniversary
2018
ISO Rating dropped to a 2/2X
2019
Re-Accredited
