About Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department

Humble Beginnings, Immense Responsibility

The Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department officially organized in 1903 with W. I. Jones as Fire Chief. Prior to this, a Town Council Fire Committee supervised firefighting activities conducted by volunteers that arrived on scene. Since inception, the services provided to the community and other membership responsibilities have immensely increased. Our department serves the eastern portion of Nottoway County to include the Town of Blackstone. A population of 6100 citizens resides within our first due fire district of 140 square miles. In addition to fire suppression, we provide advanced life support (ALS) first response, vehicle rescue, hazardous materials operations level, and various technical rescue activities. Recently, our organization has averaged annually 224 fire responses and 527 first responder responses. We are 48 members strong with additional Junior and Auxiliary members to support our functions.

First Responder Program

The First Responder program began in 1994 as a Basic Life Support agency where members would respond directly to the scenes of medical emergencies in their personal vehicles. Theses founding members realized the need or rapid medical attention within the rural community and started this endeavor not knowing the significance of their contribution. Since the beginning of this program, the call volume and capabilities continue to grow. From our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) historically working out of personal jump bags from their vehicles, we now operate a fully stocked ALS suburban and answer calls in support of Nottoway County Emergency Squad. The First Responder program is composed of more than 20 EMTs and 4 ALS providers who perform these duties in addition to those required of firefighters.

Gratefully Supported by Your Donations and More

The Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department provides outstanding service to our community through private donations, budgetary allotment from both the Town of Blackstone and Nottoway County, revenue recovery, and constant fundraising. Even with local financial assistance we could not sustain progressive advancement or quality service without the assistance of grants. Throughout the past several years our organization has been grateful to accept grants from various organizations to include the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Virginia Office of EMS, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These grants have enabled us to provide better service to our community with modernized equipment such as forestry firefighting gear, upgraded high pressure Scott AIR-PAK NXG7 SCBA and compressor system, 12-Lead Monitor/Defibrillator, 2009 Pierce Urban Pumper, and a 2016 Pierce Tanker.

A Proud History of Service and Commitment

Through training, the use of the above-mentioned equipment, and the assistance of our neighboring departments, Blackstone volunteers have responded to major incidents spanning many years. Memorable fires include Winn Brothers Furniture in 1965 and the Blackstone High School fire on October 8, 1972. Billy’s Food Barn was fully involved on May 10, 1986. Jonesboro Church suffered loss on February 29, 1992. On December 27, 1998, Do-It-Best-Lumber was lost to fire near where the current fire station now stands. On December 12, 2002, the Sears Appliance Store burned. Shortly after the adoption of our new station and the acquisition of Blackstone’s first ladder truck, Mitchell’s Restaurant burned on March 11, 2004. In 2008, the Ft. Pickett Bowling Alley was lost to fire on March 10th. More recently, the Blackstone icon, Armbruster’s Restaurant, was burned on August 19, 2010 and Rocky Hill United Methodist Church in 2013. In 2016, one of the largest structures in Blackstone, Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center, the boiler room caught fire and sustained significant damage. Over the years, our community has experienced great loss resulting from fire and yet the volunteers of Blackstone Fire Department have prevented far greater loss to life and property. We as a department are proud to serve this community and are honored by your continued support.