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Live Oak Fire Department Celebrates a Century of Service
LOFD 100th birthday will be 'hot'
Len Dramesi, Democrat Reporter
The Live Oak Fire Department will celebrate its 100th birthday next Tuesday, Sept. 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Live Oak Fire Station, 200 E. Duval St. Activities slated during the centennial fete will include fire truck rides for children, tours of the old station and railroad depot, fire helmets for kids and an abundance of delicious hot dogs and burgers. The American Red Cross will put a safety house/hurricane trailer on display and kids will also have an opportunity to shoot water from a fire truck. As an educational tool for youngsters, Emergency Management Services will provide a remote-controlled ambulance that "talks to people." In addition, the Live Oak Police Department will provide parents the opportunity to have their children fingerprinted - a safety program that has gained wide acceptance throughout the nation.There will be many former firefighters on hand to recount the 'old days,' generally reminisce with the public and be recognized for their past contributions to the LOFD. Assisting Fire Chief Chad Croft in helping bring some of the past chiefs and firefighters together are Dave DeLoach, Howard Wright and Russel Avery. The trio themselves represents well over 100 years of fire training and service to the community. LOFD was organized Sept. 30, 1903 with Gus Potsdamer serving as the initial fire chief. At the time, the department consisted of 16 volunteers organized into two hose carts and 60-feet of fire hose. They covered all of Suwannee County.The department replaced its horse-drawn carts in 1919 and its last horse-drawn wagon in 1930. At a cost of $3,000 in 1937 LOFD was able to purchase a 500-gallon pumper truck. By 1947, the city's fire department was well on its way with three pumpers and gained additional modern equipment to handle brush fires and combat heretofore-difficult fire-related situations in the city and county as the years went by.Today, the Live Oak Fire Department with its competent staff of certified fire fighters and modern equipment is second to none in the state of Florida and a new fire truck is on its way in the upcoming fiscal year.Come out and join the Live Oak Fire Department as it celebrates 100 years of serving you, the citizens of Live Oak and Suwannee County.
Len Dramesi may be reached by calling 1/386/362-1734 ext. 130.
Len Dramesi, Democrat Reporter
The Live Oak Fire Department will celebrate its 100th birthday next Tuesday, Sept. 30, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Live Oak Fire Station, 200 E. Duval St. Activities slated during the centennial fete will include fire truck rides for children, tours of the old station and railroad depot, fire helmets for kids and an abundance of delicious hot dogs and burgers. The American Red Cross will put a safety house/hurricane trailer on display and kids will also have an opportunity to shoot water from a fire truck. As an educational tool for youngsters, Emergency Management Services will provide a remote-controlled ambulance that "talks to people." In addition, the Live Oak Police Department will provide parents the opportunity to have their children fingerprinted - a safety program that has gained wide acceptance throughout the nation.There will be many former firefighters on hand to recount the 'old days,' generally reminisce with the public and be recognized for their past contributions to the LOFD. Assisting Fire Chief Chad Croft in helping bring some of the past chiefs and firefighters together are Dave DeLoach, Howard Wright and Russel Avery. The trio themselves represents well over 100 years of fire training and service to the community. LOFD was organized Sept. 30, 1903 with Gus Potsdamer serving as the initial fire chief. At the time, the department consisted of 16 volunteers organized into two hose carts and 60-feet of fire hose. They covered all of Suwannee County.The department replaced its horse-drawn carts in 1919 and its last horse-drawn wagon in 1930. At a cost of $3,000 in 1937 LOFD was able to purchase a 500-gallon pumper truck. By 1947, the city's fire department was well on its way with three pumpers and gained additional modern equipment to handle brush fires and combat heretofore-difficult fire-related situations in the city and county as the years went by.Today, the Live Oak Fire Department with its competent staff of certified fire fighters and modern equipment is second to none in the state of Florida and a new fire truck is on its way in the upcoming fiscal year.Come out and join the Live Oak Fire Department as it celebrates 100 years of serving you, the citizens of Live Oak and Suwannee County.
Len Dramesi may be reached by calling 1/386/362-1734 ext. 130.