It was January of 1984 and the City of Lowry Crossing had been offered a grant to be used for the "benefit of the citizens" of the city. It could have been used for a city park or recreation area but there was not enough money available to purchase and maintain a park facility. Not wanting the grant money to go to waste, the City Council decided that a fire department would benefit all the residents of Lowry Crossing. The grant money would be enough to get started and purchase an old deuce-and-a half U.S. Army four tracker that had been converted into a fire truck. The folks around Murphy were used to seeing the old lime green painted truck parked in their fire station for many years back in the 70’s. Throughout the 80’s the same brightly painted truck became a familiar sight to the residents in and around Lowry Crossing.
The newly formed Lowry Crossing Volunteer Fire Department held its very first meeting in January 1984, soon after, the City Council appointed the first fire chief, William E. Wells. Among the very first members were Glen Eastham, Merril Simpson, Clarion Berryman and Louis Pollaehn. The department soon grew in membership and activity. In 1986 a business decision was made to incorporate the fire department into a separate entity from the city. Chief Wells continued to serve the department until December 1989 when Mike Dickerson was elected Chief. Chief Dickerson served until the end of 1990. Johnny Pressnell was elected chief and served for two years to the end of 1992. Louis Pollaehn was then elected in 1993 and served until the current Chief, Joel Schmieg, was elected in 2008.
Since its inception in 1984 the Lowry Crossing Fire Department has continued with an all volunteer membership, relying on the skill and diligence of dedicated individuals who are willing to donate their time and effort to ensure the safety and well being of their community. Accomplishing many milestones towards its present day status of being an effective and well organized fire department, the LCFD continues to gain momentum and effectiveness in the fire service industry. Through the hard work and tireless dedication of the officers and members of the department, many lives have been saved and many properties have been spared from the ravages and destruction of fire. The main focus of the department in recent years has been on training and professionalism. Several members are state credentialed TCPF firefighters, and all members are required to diligently work towards higher levels of firefighting and EMS training certifications in our ongoing effort to provide the best possible service.
As the Lowry Crossing community continues to grow and become more complex, so must the fire department maintain its capability of effectively protecting its citizens and property. As a non-profit organization, it is only through the generosity and support of the community and its citizens that this all volunteer fire department can exist and continue to save lives and property. What is the payoff? Peace of mind. Peace of mind for the folks who can rest assured that the fire and rescue personnel will respond swiftly when needed. Peace of mind in knowing that their fire department has the trained personnel and equipment to rescue that trapped victim out of a wrecked vehicle or a burning house. Peace of mind that insurance premiums are lower because of the effectiveness of the fire department. And, a peace of mind for the firefighters; knowing that we have helped a neighbor today.
