Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Thanks for the wonderful article last week on the 75th anniversary of the Carrollton Ruritan Club (“Carrollton Ruritans celebrate 75 years”).

There was one major omission in the extensive list of this storied group’s accomplishments. And I think it was their most significant contribution to the local community so far.

In 1966 the Carrollton Ruritans decided their area needed its own fire department. Increasing residential and commercial growth along with several major conflagrations had required fire engines race from Nansemond County (now the City of Suffolk) and also the nearby Town of Smithfield. Although the quick response from these departments was immediate and decisive, the Carrollton Ruritans felt that northeastern Isle of Wight County now needed its own volunteers and equipment to respond to the emergency needs of their own community.

The Carrollton Ruritans raised the funds and chartered the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department that same year and drew the majority of its first volunteers from their membership. Their first fire engine purchase was a war-surplus 1942 International brand pumper for $600 in donations and it was housed in Ruritan member Bill Reid’s auto service shop. A siren to call in the volunteers was added to the building (now Dashiell’s Landscaping on Carrollton Boulevard) and after the first few members acquired some used helmets and coats at their own expense, Carrollton VFD was in service and ready for action.

By 1969, this new Carrollton Ruritan Club inspired and founded all-volunteer department was answering close to 50 fire calls per year.

So thank you, Carrollton Ruritans, for your 75 years of service and accomplishments and much success in the future.

 

Albert P. Burckard Jr.

Life Member

Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department

Carrollton