Department History
The Lyndon Fire Department was formed in November of 1949. Although most of
the area at the time was rural farmland, several members of the local community
foresaw the need to provide some measure of protection for their neighbors. As a
result, the Lyndon Fire Department was officially incorporated in January of
1950. Although they had no equipment, the members began firefighter training
with other departments.
In the early years, most money for the department was raised through
door-to-door collections, fund raisers and carnivals. The department also
charged a 'membership' fee to the residents in the area in order to help defray
costs. In the 1970's, the department became a taxing district which generated
revenue from property taxes.
As Lyndon firefighters, we are proud of our past. Throughout the years we
have steadily progressed in all fields of firefighting. Some of our historical
highlights include:
- 1950 - Department officially incorporated. First Engine purchased.
- 1951 - Ground purchased to build firehouse.
- 1952 - First firehouse completed. Second Engine purchased.
- 1953 - Subscription service begins, providing income for the department.
- 1954 - Ladies Auxiliary formed. They raised money that was used to
purchase a resuscitator and a Scott air pack.
- 1956 - Lyndon purchases third Engine, a surplus piece from the
Charlestown, Indiana powder plant.
- 1957 - Department acquires first radios (G.E.) and monitors (Regency).
- 1958 - First 'Quad' purchased.
- 1960 - Fire prevention Bureau organized, led by Capt. Hyatt Hahn and Lt.
A. L. Roman. ScotchLite added to coats for visibility in smokey, low-light
conditions.
- 1961 - Lyndon purchases another Quad.
- 1964 - Department builds Station 2, at 8414 Westport Road (present
location).
- 1966 - Lyndon purchases L-6, a 1,000 gpm pumper from Mack.
- 1968 - Another Mack pumper purchased and placed in service.
- 1970 - Department changes from Lyndon Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.,
to Lyndon Fire Protection District, thus ending the subscription service and
relying on tax revenue to fund the departments needs.
- 1974 - Lyndon purchases first aerial, a Mack with a 75' AerialScope
platform ladder.
- 1977 - Lyndon purchases 4" supply hose and becomes first department in
Jefferson County to go the the large diameter hose.
- 1982 - Lyndon places a 50' Mack TeleSqurt in service, becoming Lyndon's
2nd aerial piece. Bunker pants replace 3/4 boots. Volunteers begin receiving
run reimbursements.
- 1983 - Station 2 replaced by a fully functional firehouse.
- 1985 - Lyndon hires first career staff, working a 40-hour week to
supplement volunteer response.
- 1985 - Another Engine is purchased. Large diameter hose is changed from
4" cloth to 5" rubber hose. 'Stortz' couplings introduced.
- 1986 - Plans are started to replace station 1.
- 1988 - Station 1 is completed and a dedication ceremony is held.
- 1990 - Lyndon purchases another Mack pumper, this one with a foam
proportioning system. A First Responder program is initiated, and
firefighters begin responding to EMS calls.
- 1992 - Lyndon orders to KME pumpers, the first for Lyndon with automatic
transmissions. The name of the department is changed to "Lyndon Fire &
Rescue".
- 1996 - Lyndon increases its career staffing, and implements a '24-48'
career schedule.
- 1999 - Lyndon celebrates its 50-year anniversary.
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