Natural streams, ordinary wells, and bucket brigades were all used prior to any organization being formed. After much growth in the town the first reference to fire was made. On February 4th, 1868 it was decided that a committee of 3 persons should be appointed to examine all houses, shops, meeting houses, and asheries for fire hazards. The village council then went forward with the first action in the village relating to a “Fire Company”. An ordinance was presented, passed, and approved September 18th, 1873 to provide $2000.00 for the purchase of a hand fire engine, hose, hose cart, and ladder wagon. These pieces of equipment were for use within the incorporated Village of Delta. March of 1880 the council acted to develop the Delta Fire Company. Up to this point and continuing thru the development of the “Delta Fire Co.” the fire co. At this time the fire company was directed by C.I. Peace as president (not as Fire Chief). The last record of minutes available to provide facts of this also showed that there was a fee of .25¢ to join the fire company. Then in March of 1885 the village Council made their first purchase of a building used for the fire company. The building was located on lot # 97, Gates addition, and was purchased for $750.00 to also include improvements done by Owner. It was said that the building was to be used “To house fire engine, and hook and ladder implements”. The fire station on Lot # 97 later collapsed in 1893. It was then that the first town hall was built with room to support a fire station. Construction was completed in 1894. Not long after the first uniforms for all members were purchased for $18.50 each. This occurred in 1905. Over the next 44 years our firefighters continued to daily serve our community with honor and respect. In 1931 the department had 22 members including the Chief. Then in 1949 the membership dropped to 14. The department changed leadership only 3 times during this time as well by changing elected fire chiefs. Then in 1949 our very own station fell part to what we prevent and control. Memorial Hall had caught fire at 04:14 a.m. Monday March 17th, 1949. The call for assistance was immediately put out for both Swanton, and Wauseon fire departments. Both departments responded promptly and assisted Delta fire to save our equipment and town. The fire damaged many vehicles. The White emergency unit was Scorched, the Rio pumper destroyed, the York Twp Buffalo 1000 gal Tanker badly burned but able to be repaired, and our Buffalo Pumper which was damaged but able to be taken out in enough time to keep in working condition. The fire lasted until 0800 that morning with more than 120,000 gallons of water pumped. However the Memorial Hall which housed the Fire Station, Library, Community Dining supplies, American Legion equipment, and Documentations were all a total loss. A new memorial Hall was erected in 1951, and again built to house the fire station. The fire company membership was on a rise and by 1960 the roster had come to 26 members. It was 1974 when land was purchased on the southeast corner of Main St and Madison St to be used for a Fire station. The new Delta Community Fire station was completed and the dedication was held December 14th, 1980 .The new station consisted of 6 bays, a meeting room, a dispatch room, a men’s and women’s restroom with showers, and 1 office used by our chief. This station is still used today, and housed in our
Station are……
1- ALS ambulance
1-Heavy Rescue (seats a crew of 9)
1-3000Gallon Tanker Truck
2-Engines (each seats a crew of 5)
1- 4x4 Brush truck
1- 4x4 utility
1 Zodiac boat and trailer
1 1957 Chevy Heavy Rescue Parade truck
1 1941 Buffalo Tanker Parade truck (Still stands today from the fire of 1949)
Currently our membership has 24 Honorary members, and 41 Active members. Most members hold more than 1 certification but the breakdown is as follows. 29 Firefighters, 21 EMT’s. Thru the many years of service in which our department has watched over the village, we have also been leaders in our county. Below are a few points of interest………
1949- Delta had the 1st Rescue & Emergency team with a rescue truck in Fulton County
1952- Delta had the 1st fire alarm system which notified all Firefighters at the same time of a fire or emergency. This system was designed and installed in the Telephone office.
1957- Delta had the 1st 4-wheel drive Grass/Field fire truck.
1985 – The dept formed a Scuba team with 6 members trained to do so.
1986 – The 1st explorer program in the Delta department was sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America; this gave upcoming Boys and Girls a chance for hands on experience. For over a century now we have been under direction and led by the following Chiefs…..
1901 - S.A. Raker Chief until 1912 (11 yrs)
1912 – A.Y. Montgomery Chief until 1922 (10 yrs)
1922 - Elmer Guthrie Chief until 1936 (14 yrs)
1936 – James Barron Chief until retiring due to health issues in 1964. (Serving 28 yrs as chief, and holding longest term in history)
1964 – James Penrod Chief until 1977 (11 yrs)
1977 – George Dick Chief until 1999 (22 yrs)
1999 – Chuck Hudson Chief until 2009 (10 yrs)
2010 – Brett Hite Chief until 2015 (5 yrs)
2016 - Scott Smith until 2021
2022- Jeremy Gillen *current Chief*
Our department also holds current memberships with the following……
Fulton County Fireman’s Association
Northwest Ohio Volunteer Fireman’s Association
Ohio state fireman’s Association
And have also remained a chartered member of the NOVFA since 1934.
