About Us – Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Company

The Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Company has been proudly serving the Singers Glen community since its establishment in 1993. Our story begins even earlier, in 1988, when the community identified a critical need for faster emergency response. With narrow roads slowing down emergency vehicles, members of the Singers Glen Ruritan Club worked with Harrisonburg’s Hose Company #4 to develop a solution: build a fire substation right here in Singers Glen. After dedicated fundraising efforts and community involvement, a new substation was constructed in 1989, becoming fully operational by January 10, 1990.

In August 1993, driven by a shared sense of responsibility and the need for an independent local fire service, several members of Hose Co. #4 Substation 42 decided to form a new, standalone fire company. Just two months later, on October 3, 1993, the Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Company (SGVFC) was officially founded. Our founding members include many dedicated individuals who shared a common vision for improving fire protection and emergency services in Singers Glen. Among them were Matt Armstrong, Mike Armstrong, Brent Bowman, Dale Davenport, and many others who helped lay the foundation for our company’s growth.

Growth and Expansion

Starting with limited resources, the early days of SGVFC were marked by determination and teamwork. In 1993, the company’s first major acquisition was a 1973 GMC pumper purchased from the Brunswick Fire Department in Maryland. This purchase was made possible by a loan from one of our own members, as the company had no funds at the time. In the months that followed, members worked tirelessly to restore the engine, and by July 1994, Engine 751 was fully operational and ready to serve the community.

As the needs of the community grew, so did our fleet. In 1994, Southern States generously donated a Kenworth 2,500-gallon fuel tanker, which, after extensive modifications, became Tanker 753. Although this tanker was far from flashy, it became an essential part of our firefighting operations, giving us the capability to transport large volumes of water to rural areas.

By 1996, we continued to expand with the purchase of a 1978 Dodge/Pierce Mini Pumper from the Brunswick Fire Department. This versatile piece of equipment, now known as Attack 754, was ideal for brush fires and navigating areas where larger engines couldn’t go.

Continued Commitment to the Community

Over the years, our volunteer fire company has continued to invest in upgrading and expanding our apparatus to meet the needs of Singers Glen and the surrounding areas. In 2000, we replaced the chassis of our tanker with a more modern International road tractor, extending the life of our tanker while improving its reliability. That same year, we also upgraded to a newer engine, Engine 755, purchased from Pleasant Valley Community Fire Company.

Recognizing the need for more space to house our growing fleet, in 2001 we undertook the construction of a second building. This expansion doubled our storage capacity and provided the space necessary to build a classroom, where we now conduct regular training for our volunteers. The classroom, completed in August 2001, is dedicated to the memory of Justin Mines, a testament to the deep connections we share with our community.

Our Mission

At the Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Company, our mission is to provide reliable, professional fire protection and emergency services to the residents of Singers Glen and surrounding areas. We are proud of our history and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our community through rapid response, ongoing training, and community outreach. Our company operates solely through the hard work and dedication of volunteers who give their time, skills, and energy to ensure that Singers Glen is protected in times of need.

We are deeply grateful for the continuous support of our community, whose generosity has played a vital role in helping us maintain and expand our operations. As we look to the future, we remain focused on improving our services, upgrading our equipment, and ensuring the safety of our residents through education and preparedness.

Join Us

We are always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Whether you're interested in becoming a firefighter, providing support services, or helping with fundraising, there is a place for everyone at the Singers Glen Volunteer Fire Company. Together, we can continue our mission of keeping Singers Glen safe.