About the Fort Valley Fire Department Fire Department

Throughout the years of the department many auctions, carnivals, parades, shooting matches and other fundraising events took place.  In 1970 the fire company entered its first Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester, with Robin Neal being the first Honorary Fire Chief.  By then, the company had three fire trucks:  Unit 14, Unit 14-A (tanker), and Truck No. 3.  

Several years ago we became certified to run as a first responder unit, and with the help of Ann Heap (a Fort Valley resident and former EMT-B instructor) and Linda Walters (a Fort Valley resident and former CPR instructor) we made that possible by certifying enough people to answer the needs of the community. 

The department currently has five units of emergency apparatus:  Engine 14, Pumper 14, Brush 14, Serve 14 and Ambulance 14.  Because Fort Valley does not have fire hydrants, water must be pumped from creeks or ponds (where we currently have several dry hydrants set up), so it is crucial that we have the help of our neighboring companies to assist in the event of a large house or forest fire.

Many years ago, the department offered the use of the building adjacent to the fire hall to the Woodstock Rescue Squad.  The building was named the Fort Valley Substation and currently houses Serve 14, and the ATV.  With the proceeds of raffles held in 2003 and 2004, the department was able to purchase two Honda Rancher 4WD 4-wheelers for search and rescue efforts. (We currently have one ATV) A trailer specially made for the 4-wheelers was purchased to help with these efforts.  

These suppers have been going on for many years, with many volunteers helping out and people coming from far and near to enjoy a wonderful meal.  The volunteers are not only Fort Valley residents; they also come from all over to help, among them the Sheriff of Shenandoah County and other elected officials.  Many people help by baking homemade goodies for desserts, helping peel potatoes, prepare oysters, serve food, and many other jobs that need to be done the entire week leading up to and including the day of supper.  These suppers are generally held on the third Saturdays of March, April, October, and November.

In 2006 the Fort Valley 4-H Fire and Rescue was established.  Wendy Bulatko and several other leaders used to run this organization.  It had various number of members throughout the years, but currently is no longer a part of the offerings at FVVFD. 

The department today, along with the large meeting room available to the public for a multitude of functions (such as Fort Valley precinct elections), successfully operates due to a close and caring Fort Valley community.