Bluff City Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

HISTORY OF THE BLUFF CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

1909-PRESENT

The roots of the Bluff City Volunteer Fire Department can be traced back to 1909, when Mayor E.L. Ryden and the Town’s aldermen appointed M.M. Lipps. W.S. Sproles, and A.J. Bachman to take care of any fires within the corporate limits of Bluff City.

In 1929, an ordinance was passed creating and organizing a Volunteer Fire Department for Bluff City.  The men listed are the original members of the Department and their designated responsibilities:  H.K. Eads (Chief), A.E. Harkleroad (Chief), J.B. Webb (Lieutenant/carry nozzle), L.B. Webb (Captain), H.L. Carrier and E.C. Johnston (Traffic Officers), T.K. Griffith and F. Wiles (carry hose), Jason Mast, Harmon Anderson, Howard Carrier, H.C. Webb, and A.L. Pearce (carry nozzle), and Lovall Jenkins and C.D. Carrier (carry ladder).[1]

 In 1974, after the department responded to a garbage truck fire belonging to Sullivan County, it was recommended by a County Commissioner to approach the Commission and request funding from the County.  The County was funding the other fire departments, but not Bluff City. After meeting with the County Commission, Bluff City started receiving funding and agreed to respond to calls outside the city limits when requested. 

In 1997, the Department re-chartered and separated from the City of Bluff City.  Prior to the split, the City had control of the Department’s finances, and the members felt it would be more efficient if the finances were controlled by the Department instead.  A new charter was written, and sent to the State of Tennessee Legislature for approval.  The Legislature approved the charter. 

Although the Department separated from the City, they are still the primary response agency for Bluff City, and the station is still inside the city limits on Bluff City Highway. 

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Bluff City Volunteer Fire Department is to enhance the quality of life in and around the community of Bluff City by providing superior protection from fire, rescue, and hazardous situations and locations, and emergency medical support when needed.

Bluff City Volunteer Fire Department activities related to fire protection will encompass a variety of approaches.  Our primary goal is to prevent the outbreak of fire through fire prevention programs in the community.  Should a fire occur, our goal is to prevent injury and loss of life, and limit damage to property and the environment.  Our activities include: fire and life safety inspections, enforcement of fire codes and acts, and public education.

We will endeavor to take all measures necessary to ensure the effective level of services as related to fire suppression.