GFD History

The Georgetown Fire Department was organized at least by January 1882, possibly a year or so earlier. The first records of the organization have been lost. The Williamson County SUN for January 26, 1882, reported that the Hook and Ladder Company 1 of the Fire Department was organized and the following officers were elected: John H. Leavell, president; W.F. Steele, vice president; J.C. Cameron, secretary; Emzy Taylor, treasurer; J. W. Kincaid, foreman; S.T. Atkin, first assistant foreman; and W.C. Pfaeffle, second assistant foreman.

About the same time the Hook and Ladder Company was started, a second company, the Rescue Hose Company 1 as also organized, although the exact date of its beginning has not been determined. Many stories and clippings say the year was 1881.

All personnel of those early years were volunteers. The truck was pulled by manpower to the fire, then a bucket brigade sent water from the hose to the fire. This was primitive, indeed, compared to sophisticated equipment now, but it saved many a home and building in the community form serious loss.

Since the organization of the Georgetown Fire Department followed rather soon after the great fire which destroyed almost all of the business section of Taylorsville (Taylor, Texas) on February 25, 1879, one might guess that this great disaster served as a warning to Georgetown and possibly other places and may have instigated the organization of the local department.

Three years after the Hook and Ladder Company was formed, the SUN announced on January 5, 1885, that a new fire house was being built north of the standpipe for the "truck and hose carts."

History provided by Clara Scarbrough

The Georgetown Firefighters Museum offers a display of both modern and vintage firefighting equipment. You'll find "Betsy," a prized 1922 Seagraves fire engine in mint condition. Authentic photos, fire apparatus, and historical firefighter memorabilia round out the collection. The station is still used as the city's main fire station.

On the Square in Georgetown

816 Main Street

512/930-FIRE (3473) (phone)