Women's History Month is a time to honor the women who have made important sacrifices and contributions to society in both the past and present.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) would like to recognize how women have played a part in the successes of our organization. From the very beginning of the fire company in 1965, support began with the construction of a fire station and then transitioned into fundraising efforts. Women played a very important role in helping to provide emergency services to our community.

Before there was any sort of central dispatch, emergency calls would be directed to the fire station. Since most volunteer fire stations were not staffed 24/7, there were special “fire phones” in the homes of a few members of the fire company. Once the call was taken, the firemen would respond to the fire station and their wives would call other firemen on a phone tree to notify them of the call as well to ensure there was plenty of help on the way.

The MVFC Ladies Auxiliary was organized close to the same time as the fire company with the intent of supporting the fire company in various ways. The MVFC ladies auxiliary has always been famous for the delicious food that they have prepared for various functions. From catered dinners to the Bingo concession stand and the world famous fried chicken plate dinners at our annual Lawn Party, our Ladies have been right beside us every step of the way! Over the past 57 years, the hard work and dedication of our Ladies Auxiliary has provided much needed financial support to MVFC, helping to purchase equipment and apparatus and make needed repairs and upgrades to our grounds and facilities. We couldn’t do what we do without their continued support.

In 1985, MVFC voted in our first of many female firefighter/EMTs. Today our membership is approximately 30% females operating in different capacities to continue MVFC's success . They train and run emergency calls just like their male counterparts do and we are very proud of the job that they do.

Would you like to be part of our team? Visit- https://www.mvfd80.org/content/join/

Stay tuned for upcoming articles in March highlighting the women of the MVFC!