The History of the Oxford (Catfish) Volunteer Fire Department
Prior to the organization of the Oxford (Catfish) Vol. Fire Department, the northeast section of Catawba County received fire protection from Catawba, Claremont, and St. Stephens' fire departments. As the Oxford community grew, residents wanted better fire department coverage and called a meeting at Oxford Elementary School. As a result of this meeting, the Oxford Fire Protection Association Inc. was formed on May 16, 1966, with Glenn P. Brown serving as President. Following several meetings and recruiting volunteers, the Oxford (Catfish) Volunteer Fire Department was chartered on February 28, 1967.
After 31 members signed the charter to serve as volunteer firemen, they needed firefighting equipment and a place to house it. Ken Hollar, one of the members of the new fire department, donated 0.2 acres of land to build a fire station on Oxford School Road. The firemen asked the community to donated building materials and manpower to construct a fire station. While the new station was under construction, plans were being made to purchase a new pumper and other firefighting equipment. The fire station was completed in the Fall of 1967 and was home to three pieces of fire apparatus.
The two bay fire department was occupied by a new $22,000 1967 Ford pumper, a homemade Jeep brush buggy, and an old 1956 oil tanker truck. The pumper carried 500 gallons of water and could pump up to 750 gallons of water per minute. It also carried fire hose and turnout gear, that firemen wore to fight the fire. The brush buggy was used to put out small grass and woods fires. It only had 250 gallons of water and a small pump. The tanker truck hauled 2000 gallons of water and supplied the other trucks with water as needed.
The fire department was ready to serve the Oxford community, but had no way of knowing there was a fire. Catawba County provided the fire department with 10 bread box radios. These radios would alert and tell where the fire was located. "Since there were only 10 radios and 31 members, the firemen with radios called 3 other members and told them about the fire."
In order to pay for the needed equipment, the firemen held shooting matches, fish fries, and drag boat races to raise money. The community showed a lot of support to the fire department and donated enough money to buy a 10 acre plot of land on Highway 16 North and breathing equipment for the department. In March of 1973, fire tax districts were established and insurance ratings were applied. Anyone living within 4 miles of the station was recognized as being in the Oxford (Catfish) Fire District and received a class 9AA rating and paid $.05 per $100 of the property value.
The fire department used the money they received from taxes and fund raisers to buy a new 1975 Chevy brush truck and a 1977 Chevy utility van, to haul manpower and equipment. The department also sold the 10 acre plot of land on Highway 16 and bought a 7.5 acre plot on Oxford School Road 1/4 of a mile below the fire station. "Plans were being made to build a new fire station and the members set aside the extra money from the sell of the 10 acre plot to help pay for the new station." In 1979 the department was approved for a federal loan and began construction of the new fire department.
During construction of the new department, 10 members bought there own portable pagers and gave the county issued bread boxes to those who did not have a pager. This decreased the response time because the firemen did not have to call one another to alert them of a fire. After the completion of the $123,000 building, the Ladies Auxiliary helped the firemen furnish it. The Ladies Auxiliary is a group of women, mostly firemen's wives, that supports the fire department by selling flavoring and cook books. With the money they raise with these fund raisers, they buy items for the fire department, bring refreshments to large fires, and donate items to families whose homes have burned.
On December 14, 1980, the Oxford Fire Department held an Open House at its new fire station. "The block structure has an office, kitchen, meeting room, restrooms, living quarters, and five bays." In 1983, the 1956 tanker was replaced after 19 years of service by a new GMC pumper-tanker. Until 1990, the fire department served the community with four fire trucks. They purchased a used fire truck from Conover Fire Department and converted it into a support vehicle. The 1971 International carries 800 gallons of water, can pump and roll at the same time, and hauls other miscellaneous equipment that may be needed at a fire scene.
In 1994, the fire department expanded its fleet again. A new Freightliner pumper was bought to relieve the 1967 Ford of some of its duties. Following the payment of this unit, a 1996 Chevy brush truck was built to replace the old unit which was over weight. The Oxford Fire Department is currently operating with 36 volunteer firefighters who are governed by 8 members of the community known as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors regulate all operations of the fire department, including the annual budget. Of the 8 members, 3 of the people who are elected to serve on the Board of Directors can also be firefighters. The elections are held in June of each year. Each elected member serves a two year term, and can be reelected for as many terms as they wish to serve. The Oxford (Catfish) Fire Dept. is also strongly supported by 11 Ladies Auxiliary members. The department utilizes 6 pieces of fire apparatus and many different firefighting tools.
Over the past 30 years, the Oxford Fire Department has developed along with its growing community. The success of the fire department would not have been and will not be possible without the Catfish community supporting the department and its volunteers.
Update from 1996 to Feb. 2003
In July 1997 the Dept. Hired its first part-time employee to work Monday – Friday (11am to 3pm). In October 1998 the Dept. received an Holmatro Combi-extrication tool (Cutters/Spreaders)and pump for vehicle wrecks. Sept. 1998 purchased 600’ of 5” supply hose and adapters.