The History of the Digby Fire DepartmentThe first Fire Company was organized in 1886, four years before the Town was incorporated. A public meeting was called in November of 1886 and thirty men volunteered to serve in the Company. In September 1886, arrangements had been made to purchase a Steam Fire Engine from Burril and Johnson Iron Company in Yarmouth and the new engine was delivered in November, 1886.Included in the fire equipment purchased at that time were ten water tanks, each with a capacity of 1200 gallons (5455 litres) of water. These ten water tanks were located at designed areas throughout the town. As well an Electric Bell System was purchased and installed in the home of every firefighter.The first steam engine named "Digby" later renamed "Victor" carried about 1400 feet (426 M) of hose and could be hauled by horses or by hand. This steamer was used until about 1920 when a new fire truck was built by Mr. Charles Mount in Digby. Then in 1934 a new Chevrolet truck was purchased. Today, known as "Wilbur", this truck is still in service and can be viewed at the Fire Station. Spanning the next four decades, many hours were volunteered by dedicated men and women to create the successful Fire Department we have today. About 1975 land was purchased and the present Fire Station was constructed and completely paid for soon after it opened. In the last ten years the Fire Department has bought and paid for a Pumper/Tanker, Pumper, Tanker, a fully equipped Rescue Truck and the Jaws of Life, as well as more hydraulic equipment. The Department has installed a high pressure compressor and a sprinkler system within the Fire Station.The majority of fundraising is by weekly Bingo, and our annual Labour Day Fair which we have held for the past 35 years. In all our fundraising we have enjoyed and appreciated the support of the public both Town and Municipality. All funds raised by this Department will be used for the protection of life and property in this area. The Digby Fire Department consists of 35 Firefighters of which there is a Chief, Deputy Chief, Training Officer, 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary Treasurer. The Firefghters are divided into various committees for fundraising and the welfare of the Department. We, the men of the Digby Fire Department would like to thank all those people who made this book possible.Thank you.