| On October 21, 1921, several men gathered in the home of Lloyd Tredway on Pleasant Hill Road and founded the Chester Volunteer Fire Company. They placed Lloyd Tredway’s chemical tank onto William Axford’s Pierce Arrow chassis in Morris Chamberlain’s garage, creating the company’s first fire apparatus. An electric alarm was installed atop Green's drug store, which was directly across from the firehouse, and the telephone operator in the rear of the drug store spread the alarm. By the end of 1922, the company had 47 members and had responded to three alarms. At that time, the population of Chester was 1,200.
As Chester’s population has grown to approximately 9,500 today, the complexity and scope of Fire Company operations have also expanded. Firefighting is no longer limited to spraying water. The Fire Company now utilizes a combination of water pressures, foam, and ventilation methods. Training, once learned on the job, is now formalized, requiring new recruits to complete a basic firefighting academy course before responding to fires.
Despite advancements in technology and training, two core principles have remained unchanged within the company: a commitment to protect the lives, property, and environment of Chester residents. Whenever Chester has needed help, the Chester Volunteer Fire Company has responded. For 105 years, the company has remained faithful to its mission to serve Chester. |
