The History of South Oldham Fire Department

The South Oldham Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1950.  The original Fire Station, located at 6412 Railroad Avenue,  was built in 1950, by volunteers. Their first apparatus (5423) was a 1950 Chevrolet, with a 500gpm Midwest pump. The Department still has this apparatus and it is completely operational.
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The original dispatching was done from the Stoess Hardware Store & the Stoess Funeral Home.

The original funding was from subscriptions.

A fire taxing district was created in the 1970’s, to provide a more stable and reliable source of revenue.  We cover approximately 25 square miles. 

In 1976, a centralized emergency dispatch center (Oldham County Dispatch - OCD) was started.
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South Oldham was the first fire department in KY to have 5” hose.

A new fire station was built in 1979, located at 6710 West Highway 146.  This was used until 2002, and is currently used as an Oldham County Government Center Branch Office.

A part time (weekday) paid staff was started in 1996, to supplement the volunteers.

With an ever growing run volume, growth of the community and expanding needs for the fire department, a new and modern fire station was completed in 2002, located at 6310 Old LaGrange Road, here in Crestwood.  This building should serve the Department and Community for many years to come.

Again, with increasing run volumes and daily responsibilities, the Department started its first 24/48 hour shift paid firefighters in September of 2006.

In October 2009, the Fire District became proactive and purchased land in the Brownsboro Community area, for a future fire station to, one day, better serve that area of our Fire District, as the anticipated development in that area increases.

SOFD
Coat of Arms

​Through the knowledge obtained by study, practice, and experience, as represented by the “Lamp of Knowledge”, we are given the opportunity to provide assistance to our fellow men in trouble and to render the service of our knowledge at all times, thereby upholding the phrase, “SEMPER PARATUS”, always prepared.

The Fire Helmet, Ladder, Axe and Pike Pole are indicative of the need of proper equipment to carry out the service to which we are called, in fighting fire where we find it. The two swords are representative of the fact that the Sword of Life is constantly crossed with the Sword of Death.  Both swords are of equal length and of the same tempered steel, indicative of the fact that “no quarter is asked and none given”.  The battle goes on that they may live. This is the purpose of our Fire Department.

Thus the light of the lamp shall continue to shine over all, so that this service may continue to serve the integral need of humanity in our Community.

​MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of South Oldham Fire Department is to protect lives and property in our community. This is to be accomplished through the professionalism and camaraderie of the members of our department by fighting fire, providing rescue, administering medical aid, teaching safety and fire prevention.

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CORE VALUES
SERVICE – above all else, we realize that we are here to meet the needs of the public.
INTEGRITY – we live according to our Code of Conduct that governs our behavior both on and off the job.
RESPECT – we always treat others as they desire to be treated.
BRAVERY - the ability to overcome fear through fortitude, instinct, compassion for others and training.
HONOR – the enormous commitment necessary to perform the Department’s tasks requires excellence of character. We inspire each other through pride in our unit, which is a belief that every action reflects on all the members of the unit, both past and present.
PROFESSIONALISM – we conduct ourselves at all times in a manner befitting the history of the South Oldham Fire Department.

South Oldham Fire Chiefs

Chief Milton Carl Stoess
Founding Chief of South Oldham Fire Department
Served from 1950 through 1978

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Chief Robert H. Deibel Jr.
​Served from 1978 through 1994

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​Chief Edward L. Turner
Served from 1994 to 2022