In 1945, the Powder Springs Volunteer Fire Department was organized. Tommy Ray was Fire Chief.
In 1960 the Fire Board for Powder Springs Fire Department consisted of: M.J. Miller, Chairman; Grady Furr, Vice Chairman; J.M. Dunn, Secretary; B.M. Isley, Treasurer; B.P. Doss, Member and James. T. Ray, Fire Chief.
In 1971, the Powder Springs Volunteer Fire Department was consolidated, along with several other fire departments, into the new Cobb County Fire Department with David Hilton as the first Fire Chief.
Chief Hilton had been acting as Fire Chief for the Powder Springs Volunteer Fire Department (until 1971) while also working for the Atlanta Fire Department (1955-1964).
The Fire Station was built sometime in the early 1950’s, located at 3984 Austell Road (now Old Austell Road). It was also used as a voting precinct up until the mid 1970’s. A day care center currently occupies the old building.
In 1955, after being discharged from the US Army, James Moss joined the Powder Springs Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 22. He remembers down time at the Fire Station as resting, fellowship and fun times with the other Firemen and working on some of his hobbies and inventions.
The Fire Department did not have a Fire Truck until around 1960. James remembers they used a trailer with a water pump that was pulled or towed to the site of the fire.
On Display at the museum is the Fireman’s gear that James actually wore during his time as a fireman for the PSVFD. His coat, boots, etc. In the glass case is the plaque of the above mentioned 1960 Fire Board, two Fireman’s Helmets: PS VFD. #4 and PS FD #10. The #10 has H.C. “Bo” Hendrick inscribed on it.
Some information about the Powder Springs Volunteer Fire Department had previously been collected and compiled by earlier Powder Springs Historians and is on file at the museum in the Research Room.
A “Thank you” to James Moss for sharing his memories as well as previously having donated his Fireman’s Gear to the museum. James was born (1933) and raised in Powder Springs where his family has lived since the early days of the town. James is also a member of the Seven Springs Historical Society.
Note:
Chief David Hilton (1937-2016) was instrumental in developing the Emergency 911 System. Many programs and practices developed in Cobb County under Chief Hilton’s leadership have been adapted as standard practice and used in training materials around the country.