The Burlington Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) has been serving the citizens of Carroll County, Indiana, for over 80 years. The department was formally organized following a tragic fire in March 1942 that demonstrated the urgent need for an organized response service. The BVFD is a vital cross-county service, primarily serving Burlington Township and parts of Carrollton Township in Carroll County, while also providing coverage for portions of Ervin and Monroe Townships in Howard County.

The BVFD's history is marked by rapid organization and dedication to growth:

* 1942: Organized in September following a major fire tragedy. The first official chief was Don Bieghler, and the department started with a small group of firemen, even utilizing Boy Scouts for initial assistance until the roster grew to about 18 members.

* 1943: A 1938 GMC pumper built by Howe served until the late 50's. The first tank truck, a Ford model T school bus chassis with a fuel tank modified to carry water, was delivered in February. These trucks were initially housed in the garage of the Burlington School.

* 1947: The department officially moved into a dedicated building provided by the township.

* 1961: BVFD incorporated and built the first three bays of the fire station.

* 1967: The first Pancake and Sausage breakfast was held as a fund raiser to pay for the addition of the rear half of the fire station. Aunt Jamima sold the grills and assisted with the first breakfast which has been held annually since and remains the departments' primary fund-raising event.

* 1969: The rear half of the fire station is built adding two apparatus bays, office, restroom, and small kitchen.

* 1975: The first Hurst "Jaws of Life" in the area was purchased and put into service.

* 1977: The west bay and meeting room is added onto the fire station to house 2 ambulances.

* 1986: A building was built behind the fire station off 7th street to house both ambulances and provide space for training and meetings of EMT's. This year the junior firefighter program was also reestablished and would become the foundation from where several department officers and longtime members would join and remain active.

* 1999: A dedicated tornado siren was installed behind the fire station with help of the Town of Burlington and Duke Energy.

The BVFD's history is marked by rapid organization and dedication to growth:

* 1942: Organized in September following a major fire tragedy. The first official chief was Don Bieghler, and the department started with a small group of firemen, even utilizing Boy Scouts for initial assistance until the roster grew to about 18 members.

* 1943: A 1938 GMC pumper built by Howe served until the late 50's. The first tank truck, a Ford model T school bus chassis with a fuel tank modified to carry water, was delivered in February. These trucks were initially housed in the garage of the Burlington School.

* 1947: The department officially moved into a dedicated building provided by the township.

* 1961: BVFD incorporated and built the first three bays of the fire station.

* 1967: The first Pancake and Sausage breakfast was held as a fund raiser to pay for the addition of the rear half of the fire station. Aunt Jamima sold the grills and assisted with the first breakfast which has been held annually since and remains the departments' primary fund-raising event.

* 1969: The rear half of the fire station is built adding two apparatus bays, office, restroom, and small kitchen.

* 1975: The first Hurst "Jaws of Life" in the area was purchased and put into service.

* 1977: The west bay and meeting room is added onto the fire station to house 2 ambulances.

* 1986: A building was built behind the fire station off 7th street to house both ambulances and provide space for training and meetings of EMT's. This year the junior firefighter program was also reestablished and would become the foundation from where several department officers and longtime members would join and remain active.

* 1999: A dedicated tornado siren was installed behind the fire station with help of the Town of Burlington and Duke Energy.

The BVFD operates out of its main station at 108 W. 8th Street, maintaining the equipment necessary to cover its wide, multi-county service territory.

* Multi-County Service: The BVFD is unique in its responsibility, providing coverage across Carroll and Howard Counties, often working closely with surrounding departments.

* Service Capabilities: Like other rural departments, the BVFD’s fleet is equipped to handle structural fire suppression, vehicle extrication, rural water supply, and medical calls. BVFD apparatus includes:

* Engine 105 a Class A EOne pumper with a 1250 gpm pump and 1000-gallon water tank for fire attack.

* Tanker 118 has a 1250 gpm pump and carries 2000 gallons of water.

* Tanker 116 has a 500 gpm pump and carries 2500 gallons of water.

* Rescue 123 carries specialized tools for rescue, auto extrication, ropes, hazmat, grain bin rescue, and a cascade air system.

* Grass 134 carries 250 gallons of water and has pump and roll capabilities for field, grass, and trash fires.

* Truck 144 runs as a first responder and command vehicle.

The BVFD operates entirely on a volunteer basis, living up to its motto of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors."

* Personnel: The department is staffed by dedicated members of the community who undergo professional training, ensuring they meet the necessary standards to protect their neighbors.

* Funding: As a non-profit, the department is supported by a mix of local tax dollars, grants, and community fundraising efforts, all managed independently by the department to ensure operational readiness.