I came to Philadelphia, to make my home in 1939. Looking back over those years I have many pleasant memories. Some of the most enjoyable and satisfying years were spent during the planning, organizing, building and operating of the Philadelphia Fire Dept.

Our town and community had suffered many costly fires. The Baptist Church burned and the Methodist Church was badly damaged by fire. There had been a number of homes lost by fire, three in one night.

In 1956 the Philadelphia Community Club, at one of its meetings, discussed the possibilities of developing some type of fire protection for our community. A committee was appointed and authorized to buy an old farm truck and build it into a fire truck. That committee was John Everett, Chairman and Wayne Carter, Vice Chairman. I'm not sure who the other member was. Of course, money had to be raised, and a finance committee was appointed, Bob McNabb was made Chairman. Several members donated $25.00 as a "starter".

The Fire Chief of Bearden Fire Department was very helpful, giving advice the building and equipping the truck. We had a 1,500 gallon tank built in Knoxville and it was installed on the truck at Carter Lumber Company. A pump was bought at Sears and placed on the rear of the truck - didn't look too good but it did the job! We bought fire hose and nozzles and the necessary fittings.

However, before the truck could be put into operation much work had to be done.

Loyd Schrimsher did most of the plumbing and Jim Arp did most of the welding, at no cost. In fact, many have their labor and time over a long period, helping to get the truck in operation.

The Philadelphia Community Club adopted the rules under which the Fire Department would operate. I had the honor of being the first Fire Chief and we had twenty-four members. Many of those were employees of the Philadelphia Hosiery Mills. If we had a fire call during working hours we could always arrange to have a good crew to leave on the truck.

In order to finance our Fire Department the people of our community were asked to subscribe for service by paying $5.00 per year for each house owned and we had wonderful support.

In 1957 we built our Fire Hall. The Loudon County Court voted to donate $500.00 to the building fund and our Community Club had given $300.00 which covered the cost of materials that we had to buy. Many of the materials were donated and all of the labor. Bob Shinliver did the masonry work as well as much of the carpentry but there were many others who gave their services also. Once the building was finished, Philadelphia Hosiery Mills furnished electricity, water and steam for heating of the building and the drying of the hose.

There are many who deserve thanks for their work and loyalty to the Philadelphia Fire Department and this success but I am sure without the cooperation of the Philadelphia Hosiery Mills we could not have reached our goal.

In 1971 the Philadelphia Fire Department was given to the City of Philadelphia to operate. This includes the Fire Hall, two fire trucks, all equipment and $4,100.00 in cash. We had no debts.

HUMOROUS HIGHLIGHTS: Our first fire call was on Sunday morning during church,- the crew reported in their dress suits. The truck had a flat tire and we didn't make it to the fire.

Ed Knox running late, trying to catch the truck as it was leaving - missing, and mopping up the gravel R.C. Anderson directing traffic at night with his flashlight off. One of the diesel units of the eastbound Pelican came into Philadelphia with flames running 10 feet high above the engine. As I drove down the street by the train I could see many of the passengers, looking and laughing at our fire truck. We put out the fire though and they continued their trip to Knoxville.

John Everett