Staunton Fire Department 100 years old

On Feb. 2, 1923, the Staunton Volunteer Fire Department officially came into existence with a vote of the Staunton City Council. A 1923 REO fire engine with an open cab and 250-gallon-per-minute pump had already been purchased, so now they just needed the manpower to respond to fires.

At that same meeting, Mayor Paul D. Weiss appointed Tony Safko as fire chief. Chief Safko then appointed Charles Franz and Walter Stiegemeier as assistant chiefs. A total of 20 members signed on as the initial members of the department, each paying $1 as a membership fee. The department was supported by the city of Staunton and by funds raised by the volunteers through dances, etc.

Safko was chief for six years, followed by Elmer Rahm who also served six years. During that time period the department responded to an average of 20 incidents per year – mostly residential structure fires.

In 1936, Harry Keuhnen was appointed as fire chief and served in that capacity for 18 years. During that time frame, the department responded to an average of 24 calls a year.

In 1937, the department initiated its annual Fourth of July fund raiser as the main fund raising event for the department.

In 1952, Robert "Katz" Vegher was appointed fire chief and held the position for two years.

In 1956, George Costa was appointed fire chief and served until 1960. During the 50s the department responded to an average of 25 incidents.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Carl Stemploski led the fire department. During his 14 years at the helm, there were an average of 29 incidents per year. During the 1970s, auto extrication became a routine response for the fire department.

In 1971, the Staunton Volunteer Fire Department got a new home with a three-bay fire station in the new city hall complex.

In 1975, Lowell Lovejoy became the fire chief and held the position until 1986. During his 12-year tenure, the department responded to an average of 51 incidents. It was during this time frame that the department expanded its rescue services and training program.

In 1978, the voters of the City of Staunton and rural areas around Staunton approved the formation of the Staunton Fire Protection District that covered 32 square miles.

In 1984, three bays were added to the existing fire station to meet the needs of the department.

In 1987, Tom Kolkovich was appointed fire chief and served for three years. The junior firefighting program was added during his tenure as well as training in the area of hazardous materials response.

In 1990, Ron Dustman was appointed chief of the department and held the position until 1993. During his tenure, the department responded to an average of 54 incidents per year.

In 1994, Dennis Mayfield became fire chief, serving through 1996. The department averaged 101 incident responses during this three-year period. It was during this time that the department responded to one of the most memorable incidents in the history of the department. On Aug. 7, 1994, SFD and 13 surrounding departments battled a major fire at Staunton High School.

In 1997, Chief Rick Haase took over leadership of the department and is still serving in that capacity. His 26 years at the helm have seen many equipment upgrades, lower Insurance Service Organization ratings, and extensive training.

In 2002, a new fire station was designed and construction was completed in 2003. The current fire station has a total footprint of 11,955 square feet with 6,900 square feet of truck bays and 8,550 square feet of finished office area. The bay area provides parking for nine apparatus.

Staunton volunteer firefighters respond to local incidents, provide mutual assistance for area departments, donate hundreds of manhours to community projects, raise funds for the department, support community organizations, regularly attend training, conduct equipment maintenance and perform public education activities.

The Staunton Fire Department is a solid unit of people who will risk their lives for each other and the public. The volunteers are all members of a highly elite team and are all residents of the Staunton area who are ready at a moment's notice to respond to an emergency. They are a dedicated group who are proud to provide the best possible fire and rescue service.