The Ashland City Fire Department was established in 1935. Prior to 1935, there was a bucket brigade. There was a loud siren which was set off to call volunteers to the fire hall. In 1963, the Town of Ashland City purchased a 1948 Howe 500 GPM Triple Combination Pumper Body fire truck from the FMC Corporation for $4,500.
1948 GMC Special Fire Chassis purchased in 1963

-3 Man Standard cab
-5 speed transmission
-Hydraulic brakes with Hydro-Vac booster
-Auxiliary Hydraulic Hill Holder brake lock
-9:00 x 20 – 10 ply tires, dual rear mud and snow tread
-Engine oil filter
-Enine carburetor air cleaner
-Cab heater and defroster
-Extra accessory speed defroster fan, rubber bladed mtd on cab dash
-Cab dome light
-2 speed rear axle
-2 spotlights through top of cab, 360 degree type, chromed
-Full width adjustable cab seat and back
-Left side rear view mirror
-Chromed radiator grille and headlight rims
-2 Heavy duty front tow hooks
-1 Heavy duty rear tow eye
-6 Stud disc wheels
-100 Ampere Leece-Neville alternator with 110 volt AC 250 Watt transformer
-Dual battery system with selector switch on cab dash panel

Description of Fire Fighting Equipment

1 – Siren, Federal model WL with flasher light mounted on left front fender. Chromed
1 – Beacon Ray light 360 degree Federal Model 17 red, mounted on cab roof, cp.
2 – Hose bed 360 degree lights mtd. One on each rear Stanton
1 – Red tail light and 1 6” read rearward light
1 – Rear platform to cab warning buzzer
1 – Riding platform tool compartment
2 – 6 lb. fire axes mtd
2 - 1 ½ “ rear discharge outlets
1 – 2 ½” Rear Suction inlet
1 – Rear Platform tool compartment
1 – Rear platform assist step to hose bed.
Aluminum body side railings, rear cross rail and vertical back rails.
1 – Right side storage compartment with side door over pump area
2 – Cast aluminum rear fender steps
1 - 4” Suction strainer
1 - 24’ 2 Section wood extension ladder
1 – 12’ Roof ladder with folding hooks
1 – Water main shut-off tool
1 – Set of Crow bar holder brackets
2 - Hardie Fog guns
1 - 500 gallon water tank with rear fill hopper
1 - Rochester water tank gauge
1- Extra center hose roller guide for taking hose to either side of apparatusv 2 - 4” x 10” Hard suction hose with mounting trays and spring type hold down clamps

Left to Right: Volunteer Ashland City Fireman - 1960 CEMC employee Walter Louis Sanders assists volunteer firemen Jimmy Lockert and Howard Walker

Did you know?

• Years ago, fire trucks in Ashland City were not equipped with tall enough ladders. Cumberland Electric (CEMC) trucks were used prior to the 1960’s to run the hoses up their ladders to put out fires.
• In 1960 Mr. Charlie Shoemake’s Chevrolet dealership burned where sits today Danny Holder Chevrolet dealership. This fire prompted awareness for better fire trucks and equipment.
• Two of the largest fires were located at the Royal Oaks Apartments and when the log truck ran into the auto parts store where currently the Bethesda Center is located.

Ashland City Fire Chiefs from the early years to now:
• James (Chuck) M. Walker, Jr . 1994-present
• Donald Howard Walker
• Ronnie Boyd
• John “Preacher” Poole
• Howard Walker
• Ervin Pace
• Jake Lockert
• Tom Stump
• Tom Barker

SOURCE: Cheatham County Historical and Genealogical Association