In 1916, the need for fire protection was realized by the citizens of Smyrna. Prior to this date, the only fire protection was a bucket brigade or the occasional barrel placed under downspouts of the homes. However, several times fires were responded to by Mr. Johnny Hager, Sr., taking the matter into his own hands. As a result, he built the first fire apparatus used in the Town of Smyrna. Using a 1913 Studebaker belonging to the family, he secured a wooden tank to the stripped body of the car. Following is a description of the apparatus taken from Walter King Hoover's book Smyrna: The Town and the Church:

"In the event of a fire, this equipment was driven to the vicinity of the fire, and after being blocked under the wheels to keep from rolling, the right axle was lifted with a hand jack placed under the axle. This let the wheel turn freely without the vehicle being in motion. From a pulley attached to the hub of this wheel, a belt properly placed, powered a water pump, that was mounted on the edge of the truck above the wheel. A two inch hose about thirty feet long was attached to carry water to the fire...."

The first engine was used for not only fires but also to sprinkle the dusty streets that were prevalent in this era.

After a devastating fire at a local church, the City Commissioners considered purchasing a fire truck. Along with these discussions, ordinances were passed and funding for a fire department was accepted. Records show that the first purchased fire apparatus cost the city $990.00.

From right to left on the rear was Allen Gooch, Sam Edmondson and Alden Maddux. Seated as the driver is Doss O'Neal and Chief Ben Culbertson is seated in the passenger seat. The first doctor in Smyrna, Dr. J.M. Shipp is to the right of the apparatus in the white shirt, facing the camera.

Photo taken at delivery of apparatus by train in 1924.

"This new engine was a shiny red T-Model Ford, equipped with three 50 gallon soda acid tanks, for in those days Smyrna had no water system."

At this time Ben Culbertson, the grandfather of current Fire Chief William Culbertson, was appointed the first official fire chief and placed in charge. The engine was housed at the Smyrna Auto Company, located at 108 North Lowry Street. Mr. Doss O'Neal, who is pictured with the 1924 Model-T, worked at this site and kept the apparatus in good condition.

In 1931, the Town Commissioners again voted to replace the 1924 Model-T. A 1931 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton truck was selected. This apparatus carried a large water tank and had a force pump mounted on the engine itself.

1931 Chevrolet Fire Engine

Honor Guard

The Smyrna Fire Department Honor Guard was founded in September 1999. Holding its first meeting on November 11th of that year, the Honor Guard consisted of the following members:

• Firefighter Justin Cross: Commander
• Firefighter James Lawrence: Assistant Commander
• Firefighter Lance Lee: Secretary
• Lieutenant Floyd Mayes
• Firefighter Tim Parr
• Lieutenant Shane Patterson
• Lieutenant Dwayne Stacey
• Firefighter Burt Wilson

The Honor Guard performs memorial and ceremonial duties throughout Middle Tennessee, and has earned national recognition in competition.

Current Members:

• Engineer Brandon Sasser: Commander
• Engineer Nick Link: Assistant Commander
• Engineer Eric Meyer: Secretary
• Lieutenant Kenny Campbell: Training Coordinator
• Battalion Chief Nick Johns
• Lieutenant Brian Garsnett
• Engineer Daniel Brownlow
• Engineer David Honeycutt
• Engineer Ryan Kellum
• Engineer Josh Lombard
• Engineer Ricky Mallory
• Engineer Jerry Mosley
• Engineer Jeremy Napper
• Engineer Jeremy Stokes