Lockesburg Fire Department
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Brandon Janes - Fire Chief
Matt Webb - Asst. Chief
Justin Ruth - Asst. Chief
Doug Currence - Captain
Jace Ford - Captain
Lesia Stephens - Captain
Larry Eason - Captain
Emmy Bailey - CTO
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Fish Fry - April 27th, 2024
Chili Cook Off - October 26th, 2024
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To all Rural Residents
Following a unanimous vote by all rural residents attending a public meeting held on February 1, 1986, the Lockesburg Volunteer Fire Department voted on February 4, 1986, to establish a Volunteer Rural Fire Protection District in the area surrounding the City of Lockesburg.
Anyone in the rural area outside of Lockesburg City limits who wishes to become a member will be asked to contribute an annual due in the amount of $60.00. Per year. This will cover all property owned by said member with the exception of an additional $10 contribution that will be collected for each additional rural rental property owned by a member.
The Department will still respond to all calls. Non-Members will be charged up to $500, depending on the seriousness of the call and the equipment used.
Anyone wishing to join by mail, may do so by mailing check to:
Lockesburg Fire Department
P.O. Box 90
Lockesburg AR, 71846
Memberships may also be sent to:
Lockesburg City Hall
110 E Main, Lockesburg AR 71846
All inquiries should be directed to the address above.
History of LVFD
The Lockesburg Fire Department is the infant among basic City services. Our City fathers did not recognize the need for organized fire protection until 1960, long after other basic services had been provided for Lockesburg Citizens.
However, in 1960 Mayor Jess Alexander and the City Council started the wheels of progress in motion by adopting an ordinance officially creating a Fire Department. A tax millage increase to provide a building and equipment for the new volunteer organization was approved by the citizens.
On August 4, 1960, the Lockesburg Fire Department held its first meeting to adopt a constitution and by-laws, elect officers, and begin training for their new task. Berten King was elected to serve as the first Fire Chief. A 1928 Seagraves pumper was purchased by the City from the City of Shreveport, and the Fire Department was on its way.
Although no organized Fire Department existed prior to 1960, fires, of course did occur. I am sure that the early days were much like my memories of the 1950’s. When the alarm of fire was sounded by mouth, the volunteers left their homes and businesses and responded to the call with any readily available tools they possessed. Bucket brigades were the order of the day until a water system with fire hydrants was built.
With the advent of the fire hydrant came the two-wheeled horse cart that was used until the more modern pumper truck was purchased. The cart consisted of a length of hose, with nozzle attached, wound around a reel. If the fire was within reach of a fire hydrant, volunteers would wheel the cart to the nearest hydrant, attach the hose, and roll off the hose to the fire.
From the bucket brigades, to the fire hose cart, to the 1928 pumper, the Fire Department has continued to progress. Today, Lockesburg boasts a modern Fire Department with sixteen active volunteer firefighters. A modern telephonic alarm system reaches twelve homes and businesses to alert the firemen. Three well equipped trucks are now housed in the Fire station. Recently the station was expanded to provide a training classroom and activity hall.
- By Ray Hargrove, “The First One Hundred” (p.76)
