In The Beginning

In The Beginning  1980  A group of people met in Bob and Ann Haglers yard in Duchess Creek Acres, behind the M&M Mini Mart. The meeting was to discuss the forming of a Volunteer Fire Department for the area, in time the organization was formed and was to be called The Porum Landing Fire Protection Association. Officer were elected, our first fire truck was acquired, a Jeep donated by the Forestry Department. This Jeep was later donated to Council  Hill Fire Department. The first President was Bob Hagler and the first Fire Chief was George Herron. We rented, what is now the “Potts Residence” on Texanna Road as our first Fire Station. Later a double wide trailer in Blue Water Oaks  (the old club house) was rented as a station. Dues were collected at the rate of $25.00 per household and $15.00 yearly after that. With the money from dues, work on the truck began. It had to be equipped and painted, all done by volunteers and the extra money needed was donated. 1981  On April 11. 1981 we received our State Certificate of Incorporation ---We needed land for our Fire Station---three lots were offered for donated, one by Ernie and Rose Stoos, Margaret Finklea, and Clarence and Virginia Fiveash, the one where it is today. This location was chosen by the membership because it was the most centrally located.  The land was cleared and fenced by members: Leonard Miles, Harold Knight, Bob Hagler, B.J. (Pete) Hair, and Frank Hair. Much hard work and determination was exhibited by those involved. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed to raise money for the building and other accumulating expenses. Rummage sales, Bake sales, Dinners of all kinds, and all work and food was Donated by members. Our first  sale netted $1,400. Bingo was first called by Frank Hair. Men would go to the Porum V.F.W. and borrow tables and chairs on Saturday night, then, return them on the same night, as Church Services were held the next morning at the Hall. Earlene Hair started a refreshment stand during Bingo to help raise money. Ice, pop, and lemonade was donated by the Drabek’s Town and Country Store. We did lots of things and donated much. There was a lot of Blood, Sweat, and Tears shed in those early days; but much Love, Laughter, and Fellowship evolved from all the hard work. Our building was erected and was paid for Five Years before the loan was due. 1983  Once the building was erected, things were much easer. Tables and chairs were purchased, a kitchen was built, and even Air Conditioning! All the while, the men were working to equip the Fire Truck, as that was our main goal. Margaret Finklea purchased a commercial Popcorn Popper and donated it, The Knights bought a Propane Tank, The Underhill’s filled the tank, and  many others donated equipment, time, money, bathroom fixtures, appliance, and much food for the fund raisers. Too many to remember and name here, But you all know, and we know---who you are---and that’s what matters.  2007  Today we enjoy a Great Fire Department, we have had two extensions to our building and a massive renovation since the beginning. In 2006 Virginia Fiveash donated additional land for our future. We have a Dedicated Fire Chief, Two Assistant Chiefs (one dedicated to First Responder, and one dedicated to Fire Fighting) Seven Fire Trucks, a Fire/Rescue Boat, and Boat Dock. Nineteen Firefighters, Seven Certified First Responders  ---AND--- The love and fellowship still lives --many of our original members have gone to the great beyond--they will live always, as we look back at the accomplishments they worked so hard to achieve.