The New Madison Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves residents of the Villages of New Madison and Castine and Butler, Neave, and Harrison Townships.
HISTORY OF THE EARLY YEARS AT NMVFD
Early fire protection for the Village dates back to June 13, 1870. In 1872, a Fire Department was established, consisting of a fire chief and ten volunteer firefighters. Equipment was simply two hook ladders, a used fire apparatus with reel and hose, and a pump wagon.
In May of 1888, the first fire engine was purchased. It was named "Sulli-van 102". The "102" was the number of votes cast for the purchase. In October of that year, a fire alarm bell, which weighed 300 lbs., was also purchased. It was hung in a belfry on the comb of a newly erected building located on the south side of West Washington Street., midway between Main and Jefferson Streets. This Building was to be used to house the newly purchased hand-operated fire engine and other fire fighting equipment. This bell was used until the siren fire alarm system came into use, about 1935.
Later, permission was granted by the Village Council to place the bell on the Memorial Park ground where the present firehouse is located. It now hangs from a bracket on a concrete base, admired by many and especially the few still living who remember the part the old bell played in obtaining help in fighting fires.
The New Madison Volunteer Fire Department was organized the same year the bell was purchased, 1888. The Department numbered approximately 30 members.
The present firehouse was constructed in 1954 on land donated by Ernestus Putman. When Putman donated the parcel of land to the town, he did so under the condition that it is to be used for public purposed and that if, under any condition, it ceased to be used, that it and and building thereon, revert to the Putman heirs.
In July, 1957, the Fire Belles (Wives of the Firemen) organized. Their main functions were to help in emergencies, take part in social functions, help with fund raising, and to serve coffee and food at large fires.
The last large fire in New Madison was in May, 1970, when the New Madison Grain Elevator on Washington Street (one block from the main intersection) burst into flames. Mutual aid was summoned from nearby towns. Firemen remained at the scene for over 48 hours before all the hot spots were contained.
In 1972, The New Madison Fire Department added a 3,000 gallon tanker to their equipment. It has one of the largest capacities around this part of Ohio. Another bay was added to the firehouse by 1973 to house this new addition.
CURRENT HISTORY AT NMVFD
The New Madison Volunteer Fire Department currently resides at 215 N Main street and consist on 28 members and 1 Auxiliary member.
The station currently is equipped with five different pieces of apparatus that helps protect the community. Engine 1143 is a 1978 Pierce with a 750 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) pump and 500 gallons of water. Next is a 1987 Pierce Engine 1142 with a 1,250 GPM pump and 750 gallons of water. Third is the first out Engine 1141 a Pierce having a 1,500 GPM pump and 1,000 gallons of water. The next piece is our Tanker 1153 a Rosenbauer which hauls 3,000 gallons of water with a 750 GPM pump. Lastly our newest piece is Engine 1144 a Ford F-550 with a 750 GPM pump and 350 gallons of water.
