History

In March 1968, the West Jackson Fire Department was established as a 100 percent volunteer unit to provide fire protection for the West Jackson community after a fire destroyed a home in Hoschton. Those early firefighters bought the department's trucks, gear and equipment out of their own pockets with the help of fundraisers and donations. The fire department did not have a station and the 1954 Ford fire engine was stored behind Hoschton City Hall and later inside of the Hoschton Depot. 

 

With the Creation of the West Jackson Fire District by the State Legislature in 1972, the new Fire Board of Governors prepared to provide funding for a new station and update the existing equipment of the Department. Station 1 was originally built in 1974 as a three-bay station. Three additions have been added since its original construction. In the 1990s, three additional drive-through bays were added to house additional fire apparatus as well as a Jackson County ambulance and the former volunteer rescue squad. In 2005, both original buildings were combined, and a new bay was added to house larger apparatus. Finally in 2007, the “firehouse” area was added, so that we could begin 24-hour staffing.

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Our services and duties have grown throughout the years, as well. In 2000, the Fire Department started staffing a fire engine Monday - Friday from 8-5. In the fall of 2004, West Jackson Fire Department took over rescue duties. On July 13, 2007, we began 24-hour a day staffing. 2010 brought the addition of a Fire Safety Trailer to better educate our community on fire safety, but also storm preparedness. In 2013 we received our Medical First Responder license through the Georgia Department of Public Health so that our Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics could provide increased medical care. In 2014 the Fire Board approved the creation of the Fire Prevention Bureau that provides Building Inspections, Plan Reviews, Public Education and more to our community. 

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Station 2 opened in the Spring of 2021 and began providing 24/7 staffing in May of that year. That same year the Department took delivery of its first aerial "Ladder Truck".