From The Tribune staff reports
MOODY — The Moody Fire Department is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
In April of 1972, just a short ten years after the Town of Moody was founded, the administration saw a need for the town to have its own fire department.
On or around April 24, 1972, the first fire engine was purchased, a 1972 Ford, for around $21,000.00.
The Moody Fire Department was formally organized, and John B. McDaniel was named the first Fire Chief. In late 1975 the need for an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) program was recognized, and in June of 1976, the program was established. Based on gathered information, Moody was the first in the St. Clair County to run EMS calls out of the Fire Department.
The Moody Fire Department has been in existence for 50 years, and many things have changed over this time.
Not only do they still respond to fire and EMS calls, but over the years, they have added Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and other aspects of property and life safety.
Moody now has 17 full-time and nine part-time positions and is available 24/7. Along with personnel, their apparatus has increased also. They currently have three Fire Engines, a Ladder Truck, and a Rescue Truck, along with two Command and one Inspections/Investigation vehicle.
They also currently cover 26 square miles, and this last year they responded to 2,220 calls and are already 60 calls ahead of where we were this time last year.
As you can see, they have changed a lot over the past 50 years; from being a volunteer department in the beginning to now being a 24/7 staffed paid department, a $21,000.00 to a $500,000 fire engine, and close to $1,000,000 addition of a Ladder Truck.
Moody asks when you see the firemen around town, or you see one of the Fire Apparatus as you travel the roads, join with them and remember, it was because of the forethought from 50 years ago that they are here, to serve and protect, the life and property of our citizens and visitors alike.