Fairfields VFD celebrates 75 years of community service

by Jackie Nunnery

The Fairfields Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) was born out of need and generosity in 1947 when members of the American Legion Post 117, along with a group of concerned citizens and local businesses, all banded together for the cause. Through fundraising, they were able to purchase a war surplus 1942 Ford firetruck at auction for $1,300. With no fire station yet, the truck was kept in the Parsons and Atwills garage in Reedville. Robert C. Haynie was elected as its first fire chief.

Despite its humble beginnings 75 years ago, the FVFD has grown in strength and resources, thanks to the “continuing generosity and support” of the community, said Chief Phillip Keyser, who has been with the the department for 40 years, nearly half of that as chief. There are now two stations, having added Glebe Point in 1957 and a new station in Reedville in 1985. They also have multiple utility vehicles, tankers, engines and a ladder truck, all painted in the department’s distinctive yellow.

“The urban legend, which may or may not be true, is that the department needed a truck, but what they found was painted yellow,” said Keyser. The legend goes on to say that other equipment was painted yellow to match….