On October 12, 1955 a group of concerned citizens met at the Holy Guardian Angels Church for the purpose of discussing the founding of a volunteer fire department. In the first year, the main goal of this organization was raising funds. This was done by a membership drive, turkey shoot, festival, scrap drives, etc. On November 23, 1955 the organization voted to purchase a lot from Jim Carney on Ho
rsebranch Road on which to build a firehouse. A contract was awarded on August 22, 1956 to Midwest Fire Equipment Company for the construction of the first fire pumper. It may be worth noting that on April 22, 1957 the Fire Department lent $265 to the citizens of Kenton Vale area to pay for their survey for incorporation; a step to stem annexation moves of Covington. Despite a fire at the Midwest factory in March 1957, where the chassis was damaged, the pumper was delivered on May 10, 1957, just two days before the dedication of the new firehouse, which was built by Larry Beck. Frank Hellman was elected first permanent chief of the Fire Department on August 14, 1957. In January 1959 there was discussion about building another fire station on top of Dudley Hill. donated a lot on Dudley Road to the Fire Department. It was felt at this time that the name Sandfordtown & Community did not reflect the actual territory of the Department. In January 1961 the name changed to Southern Hills Volunteer Fire Department. Because of a shortage of manpower and adequate finances, construction did not begin until 1962 and was not completed until 1964. A highpoint in the advancement of the Department came early in 1964 with the delivery of the second truck, known as 152. With membership in the Kenton County Move-Up System, influence and recognition in the fire community came quickly along with a reduction in insurance rating. It was through the efforts of community members that in October 1969 the Department was able to purchase a damaged 1969 Ford fire truck. With a reasonable amount of repairs, it was put into service as a third Class A pumper. The Life Squad division of the corporation was founded in 1970 and a used Cadillac ambulance was purchased.
1977 was one of the most dynamic and costly years in the Department’s early history. During this time an addition was built on Station 2, costing in excess of $80,000, prompted by closing of the original station. A new custom fire truck was purchased for more than $80,000, and a new modular ambulance for over $30,000.
1979-1980 marks the introduction of the first paid members to the Department. During this time we had one full-time firefighter/EMT on duty for 40 hours a week and a part-time fire inspector. Around 1981 we hired additional part time employees to help in daytime responses. Also in 1981 the Fire Department earned and was granted an insurance services office classification of 3. In 1982 the Edgewood Fire Protection District was formed by the fire department. This was in response to the city’s feeling that we would be better funded through this mechanism. Through the mid 80’s the Department began updating it’s fleet of apparatus. A new pumper, rescue truck, aerial and ambulance were all purchased during this decade. In 1988, the department expanded the firehouse. Added were two apparatus bays and three offices, costing nearly $100,000. In the 90’s, the department continued its philosophy of providing first class apparatus to its community. We purchased a new pumper, refurbished our aerial truck and bought a new ambulance. In 1996 the Edgewood Fire District was disbanded and the Southern Hills Volunteer Fire Department merged with the City of Edgewood. Since joining with the City the Department has grown. We now have five full time employees and 23 part time. Our schedule ranges from six to eight firefighter/EMT’s 12 hours a weekday. The remainder of time is covered 100% by volunteers. In 1998 the firemen had spotted, in a used truck magazine, Sandfordtown’s original pumper, the 1956 International Pumper. They purchased the truck for $2,500 and began restoring it with funding coming from fish fry’s. The fish fry’s continue as a fund-raiser for the Fireman’s Association and a way to foster comradeship. Around 2000 the life squad was merged with the fire department. An Assistant Chief of the Department currently manages it. After almost two years of study, in 2004 the city broke ground on a new municipal center. It did require demolishing the old firehouse and city building, but we will have a new state of the art facility to look forward to the next 50 years. One can see that the Sandfordtown & Community Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Hills Volunteer Fire Department and Edgewood Fire/EMS have come a long way; from an idea, to a one truck department with a budget of $7000 and a Class 9 insurance rating to an institution owning 9 vehicles, paid Firefighter/EMT’s, an annual budget of nearly $700,000 and a Class 3 insurance rating.
