Some History about the Fire Department

 

    The Escatawpa Volunteer Fire Department is a combination department, which means it is a career and volunteer department. It is two different departments within one - the Escatawpa Utility District and the Escatawpa Volunteer Fire Department, but works as one department depending on each other. It has been in existence since 1961, when it was organized by the citizens of the community who needed fire protection.

 

      It's primary response area covers Escatawpa and Helena, which maintains a Class 8 Insurance Rating. It's main station is located at 3801 Sentinel Drive and a sub-station located on Coda Road in the Helena area. Along side of the three paid personnel, it is comprised of volunteers who are Electricians, Emergency Medical Technicians, Carpenters, Machinist, Homemakers, Welders, and other Career Firefighters from neighboring departments, as well as other occupations.

 

    Today, as in all other fire departments, we respond to not only all types of fires, but such emergencies as vehicle accidents, extrication, life-threatening medical calls, hazardous materials, rescue, and other emergencies or calls where we are needed by the community or other agencies. We rely on neighboring departments for assistance when it is needed and they in turn rely on us when they need assistance.

 

    We take a great pride in serving our community and do our best to maintain a level of training and commitment that gives the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Escatawpa Utility District a high level of protection against the loss of life and property. As in any walk of life, there are always unfortunate incidents that it is too late for us to act, but compassion for people and property remains our focus.