GEFD History
Greater Eaglebrick Fire District was originally founded in 1907 to provide fire suppression services to Eaglebrick State Park and the neighboring town of Eaglebrick Township. In 1918, GEFD purchased it's first motorized fire truck, a 1914 Mack AB chemical wagon. The department continued with 1 engine until 1938 when the 1914 Mack was retired and was replaced with twin 1938 American LaFrance 400 series pumpers. As the call volume rose, the need for full-time staffing became evident.
The first 6 full-time firefighters for GEFD were hired in 1949. It was shortly after that, in 1951 that the department bought its first aerial device, a 1950 American LaFrance 700 series 100 foot ladder.
The 1960's saw a rise in medical calls within the GEFD coverage area, especially in the park. In 1962 GEFD bought its first ambulance, a 1959 Cadillac Meteor. This brought the total strength of the department to two engines, one truck company and an ambulance. In 1967 the department had its first truly major alarm. A fire broke out in the Helmsford Mill, just inside the park limits. Fire departments from three counties responded to assist GEFD in fighting the blaze, which claimed the lives of 74 workers and destroyed one of GEFD's pumpers.
The GEFD became a fully career department in 1986 with 9 full-time firefighters and 3 full-time EMTs. The next 25 years would be spent growing the department and making it into a well rounded department capable of response to every type of emergency.
We currently serve an area of 102 square miles with a population of just over 38,000. We have 35 full-time members who are all certified as firefighters and paramedics. Most of our members also hold additional certifications in different specialties.
The first 6 full-time firefighters for GEFD were hired in 1949. It was shortly after that, in 1951 that the department bought its first aerial device, a 1950 American LaFrance 700 series 100 foot ladder.
The 1960's saw a rise in medical calls within the GEFD coverage area, especially in the park. In 1962 GEFD bought its first ambulance, a 1959 Cadillac Meteor. This brought the total strength of the department to two engines, one truck company and an ambulance. In 1967 the department had its first truly major alarm. A fire broke out in the Helmsford Mill, just inside the park limits. Fire departments from three counties responded to assist GEFD in fighting the blaze, which claimed the lives of 74 workers and destroyed one of GEFD's pumpers.
The GEFD became a fully career department in 1986 with 9 full-time firefighters and 3 full-time EMTs. The next 25 years would be spent growing the department and making it into a well rounded department capable of response to every type of emergency.
We currently serve an area of 102 square miles with a population of just over 38,000. We have 35 full-time members who are all certified as firefighters and paramedics. Most of our members also hold additional certifications in different specialties.