The original Fritch Firehouse was located directly underneath the Fritch water tower.  It served its purpose, housing the one truck, until it burnt to the ground. Although the firehouse was lost, they were able to save the truck by rolling it to safety.  “It was out of gas.  Which ever volunteer had the money to put gas in the truck did.  If no one had money, the truck didn’t have gas.”  Calvin Nickell related.  That was many years ago.  Since that time there have been many changes and growing needs. 

                From the start of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department in 1959 and the one truck, the department has grown to nine rolling vehicles.  “The city doesn’t need equipment out in the sun rotting” Nickell, Fire Chief commented.  With the now thirty-five volunteers, Fritch Fire Department now covers 270 square miles.  This span reaches from Highway 152 to Highway 207.  “The initial response area is Borger, Fritch, Canadian River, and three miles into Carson County. We also have a contract with Hutchinson, Carson and Moore County to respond as needed” said Chief Nickell.

Funding for the fire department is no longer solely dependent on the Fire fighter’s pockets.  It now gets funding through the city for the operation of the fire department.  Donations and grants help to equip the fire department with what they call “extras.”  According to the Chief those extras are nozzles, pumps, hoses, and the like.

Although the two ‘busy’ seasons are July through October and January through March, these volunteers stay busy all year long. Besides fighting structure and grass fires, these volunteers also assist in medical calls. “The E.M.S., Fritch Fire Department and the Police Department all work together,” Nickell said. Although these community servants have their different responsibilities, they all have the common goal of serving and protecting the Fritch community.

With this goal in mind, land had been purchased three years ago for a new emergency service building.  Located more centrally in town, on highway 136 and Fritch Drive, it would give quicker access to community as a whole.  The fire house’s present location across the street from the Post Office and Elementary school has a big problem with congestion. “When school starts, they (parents) will park in front of the driveway, blocking it”. 

Approximately thirty thousand dollars have been raised to build the new emergency service building thus far.  An approximate $500,000 total is needed.  “We need $75,000 seed money to start”, Nickell said.  For the new building has been designed to include 6 drive thru bays, community room, community safe room from storms, training areas and showers for the fighters. Nikell said concerning the building, “It’s possible, it’s doable, It’s needed’.

 Fire department Lieutenant Billy Dunham and Chief Calvin Nickell discussed the second annual Bike Run and CASI chili Cook-off Competition.  It will be held Saturday, September 1 at the Harley Acres, located 1 mile east on highway 136. “There will be free camping provided for the bikers on that Friday and Saturday”, said Lieutenant Dunham.  There will be two bike runs; a 100 mile run and a short 75 mile run.

Concession will include brisket sandwiches, hamburgers, and 1800’s authentic old fashion   homemade ice cream. From slip and slides, bounce houses for the children to the Stacy Gene and the Cactus Road band (starting at 7pm), the fund raiser is projected to have something for everyone.  A silent auction will also be held. It includes many items including a DVD player donated by Best Buy, and several Harley Davidson and Fire fighter items.

This is neighbors helping neighbors community event.  For more information on the bike run, cook-off competition or silent auction contact Helen at 857-9337 or Sheila at 857-6974.

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