The Volunteer Years: 1949–1983

The history of the Englewood Fire Department began with neighbors recognizing a need and working together to protect their community.

In Englewood’s early years, there was no organized fire protection. Community leader Fred Kruea was among the first to recognize the danger. He outfitted an old truck with ladders, buckets, and hoses in an effort to demonstrate the community’s vulnerability and encourage the establishment of a local fire department.

The turning point came in 1949, when L.A. Ainger’s grocery store was destroyed by fire. The loss galvanized the community, and local residents soon gathered to organize a volunteer fire department. On June 17, 1949, a charter was formally established, with William J. Davies serving as Englewood’s first Fire Chief.

Building a Fire Department

 The new department purchased its first fire apparatus, a four-wheel-drive military surplus fire truck, for $3,500. Affectionately known as “Nelly Bell,” the truck was initially housed at Chuck McNeil’s Texaco station and later at Smitty’s Garage on Dearborn Street.

In 1951, Randolph and Mrs. Calhoune provided property at the corner of Hosmer Avenue and Indiana Avenue for just $10, allowing the volunteers to construct Englewood’s first two-bay fire station. A new 1956 Ford Class A Pumper was later purchased for $12,000, significantly improving the department’s structure-fire capability.

These early firefighters had few of the resources available to modern fire departments. There was no municipal water system, requiring firefighters to obtain water from ponds, cisterns, and even Lemon Bay. Equipment and operating expenses were supported through community fundraising, including turkey shoots, dinners, dances, and later weekly bingo games. The firefighters, Ladies Auxiliary, Board of Directors, and residents of Englewood all played an important role in keeping the department operating.

 

Growing With Englewood

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the department continued to grow. The original station was expanded, additional apparatus was purchased, and communications gradually improved. Volunteers were summoned to emergencies through a combination of telephone calls, CB radio, and three community sirens.

Under Fire Chief Bruce Benardo, elected in 1966, firefighter safety and operational capabilities continued to advance. Self-contained breathing apparatus allowed firefighters to operate more safely inside smoke-filled buildings, while a donated 17-foot boat established an early marine firefighting and rescue capability.

As Englewood expanded geographically, so did the department. Property was donated for a second fire station in Grove City, and Fire Station #2 was completed in 1970.

 

Fire and Emergency Medical Services

The early 1970s brought another significant change. In 1971, the department received state certification to operate an ambulance service. Volunteers completed emergency medical training through the Sarasota Red Cross, establishing the foundation for organized emergency medical services in Englewood.

The dedication of Englewood’s volunteers was demonstrated during some of the community’s most challenging emergencies. During a 2,080-acre brush fire in 1974, Fire Lieutenant Andy Rock rescued a severely burned South Venice firefighter by dragging him from the wildfire to safety. Lieutenant Rock was later named Fireman of the Year for his actions.

From Volunteers to a Fire District

As Englewood's population grew, the demands placed upon its volunteer firefighters and EMTs increased. Throughout the 1970s, efforts were made to establish a formal taxing district that could provide reliable funding for fire and emergency services. Although early proposals were unsuccessful, the department continued moving toward professional staffing.

In 1977, firefighters and EMTs began receiving $5 per call, and the department established its first paid daytime positions. In 1979, Chief Bruce Benardo became Englewood’s first full-time Fire and Ambulance Chief. The following year, Englewood reached another milestone with the establishment of its first fully paid, 24-hour engine company.

After years of effort, voters approved the creation of the Englewood Fire District in 1983. The Englewood Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department transferred its equipment, facilities, and assets to the newly established district. On April 1, 1983, the volunteer department officially concluded its service.

For nearly 34 years, Englewood’s volunteer firefighters built the foundation of the department we know today. They raised money, built stations, purchased apparatus, answered emergencies, provided ambulance service, and adapted as their community grew.

Their story is one of neighbors serving neighbors,a tradition of service, sacrifice, and community support that continues to define the Englewood Fire Department today.