Chandler Voulnteer Fire Department - Proudly Serving Since 1952

The Chandler Volunteer Fire Department was organized in
1952. There were 12 charter members including: Chief
Richard Musgrave, Assistant Chiefs Paul Miller and Elvin
Fisher, Norman Derrington, Emmerson Hetzel, Jack
Thompson, Gerald Stuart, LaVerne McKain, Bill Hetzel, Jim
Patterson, and Bob Carey. Other early members include:
Charles Wilhelm, Paul Macer, William Franks, John Wilugus,
Paul Spencer and Major Henshaw.

Chandler Fire Chiefs
Richard Musgrave
Paul H. Miller
Bill Musgrave
Steve Pruett
Frank Shelton
Wayne Schuble
Bil Musgrave
Cletus Miller
Mark Maurer
Nick Granderson
Kenny Virgin
Jacob Luker

In 1962 the department was equipped with two-way radios
that were county-wide in operation. During the time Thomas
Shackelford was Town Board President, a new 1965 white
fire truck was purchased for use in Chandler. This truck is
pictured to the left.
The first fire fighting agreement was renewed through the
terms of Allen Tichnor, Maurice Herrell, Floyd Schuble, and
Edna L. Schuble, a later Ohio Township trustee. In
1973-1974 Mrs. Schuble was instrumental in the purchase
of a new township pumper to replace the 1953 model, as
well as a foam generator. The town purchased a 1974
pickup truck to mount the generator on. They also
purchased a Jeep equipped for field and grass fires.

In 1953, Ivan J. Reed, the Ohio Township Trustee at the
time, entered into an agreement that the Township would
purchase two fire trucks. One was to be housed at
Chandler, the other at Newburgh (a neighboring fire
department in the township). They were purchased with
funds from tax levies on personal property.
$4,000.00 was raised through auctions, contributions and
other fund raising to erect the first fire station. Plans were
drawn up by Phil Tipton, editor of the Chandler Light. The
site for the building to house the fire truck and other
equipment was donated by a local business firm.
Construction was completed by the charter members
themselves. The building measured 32 ft. by 52 ft. The fire
truck was delivered to the department on March 30, 1953.
The first fire run was made on April 13, 1953 to Ray
Castrup's house, one mile south of Chandler. Arriving five
minutes after the alarm was turned on, and using 500
gallons of water, the department was able to save the
house, with only heat damage. However, the garage was a
total loss. This first run allowed the firefighters to evaluate
their needs. Additional hose was purchased along with
phone service to the fire house.
The members of the department had Red Cross first aid
training, and had many practice drills. They were grouped
into four squads which were assigned to a different part of
the day, resulting in 24 hour fire protection for Chandler and
vicinity. The membership was increased to a 24 man
department within a few months after their first run.

2008 Fireman of the Year, Josh Russelburg

2008 Most Improved, Chris Bedwell

2008 Officer of the Year, Dave Luker

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