HISTORY
1951 - 1976, The First 25 Years
Volunteer' Fireman's Association
Our future protection history goes back prior to World War II, and or department consisted of a cart with manually operated tank and hose. This cart was pulled physically by members moving as rapidly as they could to the fire scene. Eventually, the tank rusted, causing a rupture to the tank. the remains were donated to "Uncle Joe" John Lamb, whose family was the lone black family living on the beach. He made a trash cart out of it, which was a much needed service for the local residents.
As our population grew, it became apparent more fire protection would be needed for our area. Concerned citizens organized the Volunteer' Fireman's Association, which consisted of 25 members. Training was required and Clearwater Fire Department provided much needed experience in just six weeks. The members organized a campaign to solicit funds to purchase a state of the art fire apparatus. Then there was a needed a means by which to call together members to a fire location. A siren code was set up, Siren Code of 1 blast - Indian Rocks Beach, Siren Code of 2 blasts - South Shore, and a Siren Code of 3 blasts - Mainland. We received the siren from the State of Florida - free of charge.
At this time land was leased on 1st Street from Florida Power Corporation for just $1.00 per year, and the first Fire Station was built. 22 volunteers built the station in just 24 hours.
We covered a very large amount of acreage on the Mainland as well, which is where "Suncoast Hospital" is now. There was only one home every half mile then, and the brush fires could be devastating. 80% of all our calls were brush fires, which taxed our personnel and equipment. in those days, people had very little income and it was very hard to get people to contribute monies. A gentleman had bought 4 old fire trucks from Patrick Air Force Base and was selling them for $800 in Lakeland, Florida. We made a deal with him, as we acquired monies - we would pay him for the unit. It broke down 3 times on the way home, but with our excellent people, and a great mechanic, we got her in tip top shape. Between constant solicitation and special fish fries, we were able to pay off our debt in 4 years.
With our population increase, part of the mainland, and the consolidation of the beach, we formed a Fire District with a cost of $6 per residence, and an agreement that we would pay off the new Ford Engine we'd purchased in five years. We then proceeded to elect 5 members as our Board from the District.