OUR HISTORY

The Bethany Salem Volunteer Fire Department was founded in the spring of 1990 when veteran firefighters Frank Riddick, TJ Prather, and Ronnie Brownell met with Commissioner Bill Quinton to discuss establishing a new fire station to serve the Salem and Bethany Church areas.

The initial Board of Directors included Frank Riddick, Jim Smith, Norval Vollrath, Tim Prather, Mable Brown, and Barbara Byrd. Under their leadership, construction of the Bethany Station began on November 2, 1990. The department officially received state compliance from Georgia on November 29, 1990.

Frank Riddick served as both Fire Chief and President of the Board until his retirement in 1999. Tim Prather succeeded him as Fire Chief until January 2011, when Al Godin was appointed. Godin served until his retirement in June 2014. The current Fire Chief, Kristy Easterwood, began her journey with the department as a Junior Firefighter.

The success of Bethany Salem has always relied on community involvement. Equipment donations, property contributions, and countless hours of volunteer labor have been invaluable. Members and supporters have donated their time and professional skills, assisting with maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and other essential services.

Fundraising has also played a crucial role since the department's inception. From 1990 to 1998, two or more flea markets were held annually, along with beauty pageants. Today, the department relies primarily on an annual community outreach letter to generate support.

The land for the original Bethany Station was generously donated by Inland Rome, while the property for the Salem Station came from Ms. Shirley Chambers and Century 21. Construction on the Salem Station began in May 1995 and was completed on August 15, 1996.

In its early days, Bethany Salem operated with just a used 1967 American LaFrance fire engine and a converted fuel truck purchased for $1 from John Garrett of Marietta, which served as a tanker. Today, the department has grown significantly, operating four engines: a 1999 International, a 2004 Mack, a 1989 GMC C6500, and a 1977 Hahns. The department now has over 25 members and operates out of two stations.