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The Story of the Whitefield Volunteer Fire Department

The Whitefield Volunteer Fire Department is more than just fire trucks and flashing lights. It’s a group of neighbors who answered the call to protect their community, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. The men and women serving today carry on a legacy that began more than fifty years ago with a handful of determined folks and a whole lot of heart.

Where It All Started

In 1969, the Whitefield community came together with one goal in mind, to start a fire department that could protect their homes, farms and families.  The first meeting was held at Whitefield Baptist Church, where Anderson County Fire Marshal James Hall and community leader Hugh Durham spoke to those gathered and helped guide the discussion. That night, the community elected a board of directors made up of trusted, hardworking neighbors.

From then on, meetings were held at George Wilson’s Service Station. Around the same time, the Anderson County Fire Protection Commission ordered a fire truck to serve the newly created Whitefield Fire District. But the board still needed a place to put it. That’s when Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Evans stepped forward and donated a one-acre piece of land on the McConnell Estate. Their generous donation gave Whitefield’s new fire department a home.

The Power of Community

Not long after, a group of women formed the Ladies Auxiliary. These were the kind of women who rolled up their sleeves and got things done. Their very first fundraiser was a hot dog sale at H.I. Taylor’s Auction. Then came monthly chicken and hot dog suppers, held without fail for six years. The money they raised helped pay off the station’s loan, and bought the first tanker truck and a smaller grass truck for fires off the beaten path. Simply put, the Ladies Auxiliary helped turn a vision into reality.

Training to Serve

At the same time, the firemen were learning how to do the job. Training took about three months, and it was no small task. But the firemen knew that every hour spent training was preparing them for their first call.

Guided by Strong Leaders

Over the years, Whitefield has been shaped by the steady hands of its fire chiefs. Each has brought their own style of leadership, but all have shared the same deep commitment to our community:

Chief Harrison Ellison (1971 – 1986)
Chief Don Ford (1987 – 1989)
Chief Jimmy Ellison (1990 – 2008)
Chief Paul Drake (2009 – 2011, 2017)
Chief Adam Cromer (2012 – 2016)
Chief Billy Guin (2018 – 2023)
Chief Ross Ables (2024 – present)

Still Going Strong

A lot has changed since that first meeting at the church. Today the Whitefield Volunteer Fire Department operates with modern equipment and an expanded station to hold our growing fleet. But what matters the most has stayed the same. We are still neighbors helping neighbors. We still answer the call, no matter the hour, no matter the weather.

We are always looking for new members who are ready to serve. If that sounds like you, visit our station at 7:00 PM on the first or third Tuesday of the month. Whether you want to be on the front lines or support behind the scenes, there is a place for you here.

Whitefield has always depended on people who care enough to show up. That is what built this department, and that is what will keep it strong for generations to come.