HISTORY OF GAINESBORO FIRE & RESCUE

           A public meeting was held at gainesboro school on January 30, 1958 to make plans for the organization of a local fire company. President of the Gainesboro Ruritan Club opened the meeting and explained that the Ruritan Club was interested in forming a fire company. Mr. William Lawrence was introduced and he explained the function and equipment needed to form such a company. The Chairman asked if the people of gainesboro were interrested in forming a fire company and the motion was passed. The Board of Directors were established.

           Red Williamson explained the work on the purchase of a fire engine and the committee was authorized to purchase the truck. The truck was ordered with the financial help from Clearbrook Fire Company and Shade Equipment Co. donated their facilities to install the tank and pumps. William Lawrence conducted several fire fighting classes for the local firemen. He worked close with the company and helped with ways to raise money and soliciting memberships. Red Williamson was elected the first Fire Chief of Gainesboro.

          The Building Committee started working on plans to buy land for the Fire House. In March 1958 the present lot was purchased for the sum of $1200.00. The truck was completed and put in service following the first Yard Party in June of 1958. The committee held a meeting on July 4, 1958 to lay out the building and start construction. The footers were poured in August 1958 and during September and October the rafters and sub floors were installed. Most of the work being done by the members of Gainesboro.The concrete floors were poured in December and the building was ready to house the truck. The furnace was orded and the town siren purchased.

          The second floor was completed due to a large donation of oak flooring and the company was now able to hold meetings in the fire house. During the next few months the rest rooms and sewage system installed. The company then purchased 50 chairs and 20 tables in July 1959. The company was then off and running.

           During 1960 after much trouble with the telephone service, the directors voted to  purchase radio equipment, the radio service to be tied into the base station at Polly's Cab. In 1961 they saw a need for a water supply truck and authorized the committee to purchase a "tank truck".  Bingo's and shooting matches were held to raise money.

          The ladies auxiliary was formed in November 1958.

Fire Call Volume for 58-63

1958- 11 runs

1959- 32 runs

1960- 39 runs

1961-26 runs

1962- 24 runs

1963- 65 runs

First call recorded

October 6, 1958

Woods Fire in Cross Junction Asst with Gore Fire Company

Fire Chiefs

Leonard "Red" Williamson 1958-1978

John Pyles 1978-1983

Larry Light 1983-1998

Don Jackson 1998-Present