OFD History

In 1941, at a meeting of the "Preston Highway Improvement Club", Mr. E.P. White Jr., suggested that an O.C.D. pumping unit be purchased for the Okolona area to start a fire department. The pumping unit was mounted on a trailer and pulled with a hitch fastened to cars and trucks.

The first piece of firefighting equipment was originally housed in Mr. Claude Priest's garage. It was later moved to Mr. Roy Motherhead's garage and again moved to Mr. Joe Snyder's garage. In 1951 the group purchased a building at 8005 Preston Hwy and converted it into a firehouse, which was used until 1960. At that time a new firehouse was built at 8111 Blue Lick Road. This building was used until December 28, 1980 at which time we moved into our current firehouse that is 23,380 square feet building at 8501 Preston Highway.

In 1947, the department purchased a new Ford truck and installed a front mounted 500 gallon-per-minute fire pump and 500 gallon water tank on this chassis. At this time, the truck is still operational, but is no longer used for fire-fighting purposes.

In 1949, the department separated from the Preston Highway Improvement Club and became an independent department called the "Okolona Volunteer Fire Department". On August 11th of that same year, after much hard work and dedication, the Okolona area received a fire insurance rate reduction from 10th class to 7th class.

In 1952, the department started plans from another new truck, and on June 10, 1953, a new 500 G.P.M. midship-pump truck was delivered at a cost of $11,389.00.

In 1958, the "Okolona Fire Department" became a fire district and the same year a Willys jeep was purchased with the help of the United States Forest Service. This jeep was used to fight woods and field fires. In 1963, the department purchased a new 750 G.P.M. midship-mounted pumper with a 750-gallon water tank mounted under the hose bed.

On January 25, 1966 after many hours of hard work and community service by the firemen, the Okolona area was changed from a 7th class fire insurance rate to a 6th class. The general public has little idea of how many unpaid hours and personal sacrifices are necessary to maintain this rating. These efforts are in addition to the countless hours spent by the firemen on training and actual fire runs, which in 1979 totaled 677 alarms. The department is constantly striving to improve this insurance rating, and the future addition of paid firefighters combined with an ever-improving Fire Prevention Bureau promises to make rates reductions a reality.

By 1967, the department's Fire Prevention Bureau had been organized and a new Ford Ranchwagon was purchased for use on inspections and official business. The same year the department bought another new truck which was our first 1,000 gallon-per-minute pumper. This unit was also a midship-mounted pumper and carried 500 gallons of water.

In 1968, with 322 fire alarms and a growing Okolona community, the need for a second fire station became apparent. Plans drawn up, and a new firehouse was opened at 10508 Preston Highway in November of 1969 at a cost of about $73,500.00. The new firehouse was designated as Okolona Station No. 2.

At the same time Station No.2 was being planned, another truck was in the planning stages. It was delivered in October 1969, at a cost of $37,244.00. This unit was a 1000 G.P.M. midship pumper with a 500 gallon water tank mounted under a 1250-foot hose bed.

In 1970, due to increased growth in the Okolona area, the Kentucky Insurance Bureau (which sets fire insurance rates for fire districts) suggested that we buy an aerial ladder or elevated platform. The decision was made to purchase a Snorkel with an 85-foot boom, which for several years was the largest elevated platform in the state of Kentucky. This apparatus was also ordered with a 1000 G.P.M. midship pump and was delivered on February 28, 1972, at a cost of $102,677.00.

In 1974, Okolona added a four-story training tower next to Station no.2 at a cost of approximately $80,000.

In 1976, another new jeep was purchased at a cost of $11,500.00. This unit carried 100 gallons of water, 50 feet of booster hose and pump 100 gallons of water per minute. During the same year, a new 1,250 G.P.M. Ward LaFrance pumper was ordered for Station No.2 at a cost of $83,644.00.

In 1977, it was necessary to replace our old station wagon with a new one and a new 3/4 ton pickup truck to be used as a utility vehicle was purchased.

In 1978, the old 1963 750 G.P.M. truck was worn out and it was traded in on two new trucks. The first one was a 1,250 G.P.M. American LaFrance pumper at a cost of $61,047. The second was a GMC "mini-pumper" with a 250 G.P.M. pump. This truck was placed into service as our primary rescue vehicle, carrying the "Jaws of Life" rescue tool along with other assorted rescue equipment. Cost of the rescue/pumper was $27,884.00.

In April, 1980, the Department purchased three 1979 Ford LTD automobiles for Hertz Rent-A-Car for $3,999.00 each, to be used as command cars for the Chief and two Assistant Chiefs.

In December of 1980, we moved what was one of the largest fire stations in the state. The price was $1.3 million. It was also one of the first to have an elevator for handicapped accessability.

In January of 1981, a new pumper was purchased for $118,644 and assigned to Station #1.

In May of 1982, Highview & Okolona became the fires fire departments in the West side of the county to enhance their communication abilities with a radio repeater system.

In October 1981, the fire departments administration needs were so great, a full-time secretary was hired to handle these needs. Unit 8020 was re-powered with a fuel & maintenance efficient diesel engine.

In February of 1982, a Hazardous Materials/Command Post Unit was purchased at a cost of $13,982.00.

In July of 1982, firefighter's personal safety was enhanced with the purchase of bunker pants as a standard part of their firefighting turnout equipment. Unit 8022, a new mid-size 4 wheel drive pumper was purchased at a cost of $70,858.00. The new unit was delivered on May of 1983 and assigned to Station No.2.

The first use of 5" fire hose took place in late 1982. This hose eliminates the need for a fire engine to supply additional water pressure at a fire hydrant.

In 1983, the Okolona Fire Protection District was notified that we were assigned an IOS Class 3 Rating, one of the few completely volunteer departments in the region to receive this distinction.

In November of 1984, a new professional style badge was purchased to replace the older style that dated back a couple of decades.

In December of 1984, Maxiforce Air Bags were added to our rescue equipment. They were purchased for $5,108.00. A 4x4 pickup truck (Unit 8072) was purchased for $12,581.00 and fitted with a slide-in pump to replace unit 8071 which was retired from service. A 15 passenger van 350 ECT (Unit 8093) was purchased for $16,864.00 to replace unit 8096, a 5 passenger station wagon.

In January of 1984, a new 1500 GPM pumper (Unit 8033) was ordered. It was assigned to Station #1 upon delivery.

In March of 1984, the need for administrative offices was realized. Additional office space at Station #1 was made.

A traffic light was installed in early 1985 to assist fire apparatus entering traffic on Preston Highway.

In the Fall of 1985, plans were approved and a contract signed to begin much needed expansion of the facilities at Station #2.

In early 1986, refurbishing of Unit 8030 a pumper at Station #2, was approved. Unit 8031, also at Station #2, was refurbished in 1987.

November of 1988 was s somber time for us at the Okolona Fire Department. Jerry Wallace, a 14 year Veteran, passed away after a long struggle with cancer.

In 1988, additional computer equipment was purchased to assist in the handling of the massive amount of data that is necessary to provide the best possible fire protection.

In early 1989, a major renovation project of Station #1 took place. New offices, furniture, carpeting, floor tile and painting was accomplished to have a fire station that is efficient and presentable. An expense reimbursement, length of service award and qualification award program was implemented. This was designed to recruit and maintain the highest caliber of volunteers to serve the citizens of Okolona.

In 19xx the need for 24 hour firefighters was apparent and a crews were hired for a 24/48 rotation staffed at Station No.1.

In 2003, The Okolona Fire Department and the Black Mudd Fire Protection District merged forming one department with Black Mudd taking the name and becoming Station No.3 located at 1714 Rangeland Road. This area includes the General Electric Appliance Park.

In 2005, the Okolona Fire Department and Edgewood Fire Department merged forming one department with Edgewood taking the name and becoming Station No.4 located at 1127 Orchard Ave. This area includes the Lynnview Neighborhood, Ford Motor Company - (LAP) and United Parcel Service.

Now in 2010, we are four stations strong, covering approx 33 square miles composed of 53 Career Firefighters and 31 Volunteer Firefighters.

All of the firefighters are governed by the Board of Trustees, whic is composed of 2 firefighters elected by the firefighters, 3 citizens appointed by the Mayor and 2 Okolona property owners elected by the citizens of Okolona.

Mickey Raisor Former Assist. Cheif

Always laying down on the job, right Mickey?