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Pocahontas Old Ripley Fire Protection District Making House Calls Since 1860.
The Pocahontas Fire Department's history dates back to 1860 when the first bucket brigade was organized. Then, in 1863, the volunteers upgraded from a bucket brigade to a hand-pulled tank on wheels. We still have this tank today, although it is seldom used. The first record of a fire truck was from the 1930s when the department bought a used Lafrance fire truck.
The Pocahontas Old Ripley Fire Protection District was the first fire protection district formed in Bond County in 1958. In 1984, the department began serving the fire district with an Ambulance Service. It continued to operate with volunteers for 40 years until October 2023, when we contracted with A-1 Ambulance Services to provide our Emergency Medical Services. A-1 currently operates 24/7 out of our firehouse.
Our volunteer firefighters are active in the community. In addition to their firefighting duties, they run the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Firemen’s Picnic, Breakfast with Santa Claus, and an annual Toy Auction to raise money for the Secret Santa Organization. The department also provides district residents with free smoke alarms and mailbox signs.
Trustees: Don Hawley, Kendall Brink, Jeremy Brown
Fire Chief: Dennie Koberczky
Emergency: 911
Office: 618-669-2349
