Past. Present. Future. A centennial milestone has a way of bringing each of those elements into unique focus. In 1923, a few dozen men likely never imagined we’d be thinking about them today, 100 years later. Their focus was far more immediate. Devastating fires (documented as far back as 1884) had repeatedly impacted their community. The time had come to act. To protect life and property. So, they organized. They called themselves “Carmichaels Volunteer Fire Company.”
In 2023, that organization not only still exists, but has become an integral part of a community that’s grown and thrived over the course of a century. Today it’s called the Carmichaels-Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Company — Company 65.
What has it taken to sustain the organization for so long? What will it take to sustain it for the future?
I recently had the privilege of chatting with some of today’s members. Our discussion taught me a lot about the company they proudly volunteer to serve. But what struck me first, and most, is what they didn’t want to discuss…
Following introductions and brief descriptions of their roles within the department, they very deliberately steered the conversation away from themselves. I immediately sensed that, in this capacity, they function as one. Member Todd Allison said, “We don’t want to make it about any one individual.” They went on to explain that the organization, which can have up to 60 active members, currently has 50. They emphasized that each member contributes in distinctly valuable ways.
The ratio of actual vs. possible number of volunteers struck me as impressive. Increasingly so as I learned more about exactly what goes into serving as a volunteer firefighter in 2023. The requirement of 200 training hours represents a real commitment in and of itself; especially when balanced with work, family, and other interests and obligations. Volunteers also become part of a relatively small number of individuals sharing the many responsibilities involved in keeping every aspect of a critical public service up and running.
That’s important to note, since not everyone can imagine themselves responding to emergencies. “Everyone has something to offer,” said Chief Jim Higgins. Some members excel at organizing and working fundraising activities. Others bring mechanical and maintenance expertise. Still others have administrative experience. And in every role, members also function as representatives of the department within the community.
Individual sacrifice for the common good clearly proves rewarding. That shines through in the pride with which members speak of their department. They tell me that people often become involved to serve in one capacity but, compelled by camaraderie and a sense of purpose, eventually grow into other roles.
For some, serving in the department is truly a way of life. “Over the course of 100-years, we’ve had generations of firefighters. Membership is kind of a lineage,” said First Assistant Chief, Mike Riggen. Historical records support that statement. Several last names listed on the register from 1923 still appear in 2023. But lineage is not always linear. Today’s members recognize that they cannot expect generational volunteers to sustain the organization indefinitely. Statistics show volunteerism declining sharply statewide. Furthermore, today’s workplace doesn’t typically offer the flexibility that existed in the days of industry, rotating shifts, and privately-owned local businesses. For example, Higgins mentioned the late Chief Carl “Jum” Allison and his mid-town service station: “When the whistle blew, Jum would just close the station and go. But life’s different now.”
Different indeed.
But life was never simple or easy. While 2023 certainly has its unique challenges (including those still lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic), the department’s past has included the Great Depression and men heading off to war…
Yet through it all, the whistle has blown. At least since 1930, when the first one was mounted atop what is today the Community Bank building. Its sound has assured the community: Help is coming — whenever and wherever.
Today, keeping that possible costs more than ever.
In 1923, the department purchased its first new fire truck for $2,000. Today, one costs roughly $500,000. Records first mention a purchase of safety equipment in 1935, with “masks, boots, and coats” listed on a line including other gear like “hose, nozzles, and tools” — all totaling $3,000. Today, it costs approximately $12,000 to outfit one firefighter with the appropriate equipment.
For an all-volunteer organization providing a free service, these considerations prove something as true today as it was a century ago: It has always depended on people. The ones who climb aboard trucks and rush to wherever others need them most, and the ones who provide the support to equip them to do so.
President Craig Baily said, “People in the Carmichaels area really support this fire department. I can’t emphasize that enough. We can’t do it without the people who come to bingo every week… to every gun bash…” Regarding fundraising, he said, “We’ve tried just about every possible way, and the people always support us.”
Higgins also spoke of the relationship between the fire company and residents. “In addition to saving property and lives,” he said, “even the building itself is a major part of the community.” For instance, today’s fully generator-powered facility serves as a public warming and cooling station during extreme weather. For 100 years, the company has always opened a space to the public. From the earliest boxing matches and dances to 68-years of the King Coal Association’s iconic Coal Show, to decades of weddings and other cherished personal events, Carmichaels Fire Hall has proven a gracious host.
This year, one very special celebration will honor its own very special milestone: 100 years! With plans underway for an open house event, the department encourages residents to follow its Facebook page for details and updates.
“We’re pretty proud of the first 100 years,” said Mike Riggen, “and we just want to keep the thing going.”
Respect for the past. Faithful stewardship of the present. Proactive dedication to securing a future. Maybe Carmichaels has discovered the secret to building something that lasts.
