History

The City of Gallatin was incorporated on November 7, 1815. At that time, there was no official fire department. It was composed of local volunteers. As time passed, equipment and manpower improved.

Historic Firemen with Horses

Fire Wagon

When Gallatin became the proud owner of a fire wagon, it was housed in what is now known as Franklin Station. The horses were stabled there also. They were used to pull the garbage wagon. When there was a fire, the horses were taken off the garbage route, taken back to Franklin Station where they hitched to the fire wagon and the volunteers met them at the scene.
Historic photo of Fire Engine Number one with fire fighters standing in front
Fire Wagon Number 1 is proudly displayed in the Sumner County Museum. 

City Charter

The Gallatin City Charter was adopted in 1953 and the fire department was still volunteer. In April 1960, the 1st paid fire department was established. Joe St. Charles who was chief of the volunteers, was named Chief. Billy Deering was hired as the 1st full-time fireman. The 4 full-time, paid firefighters worked 24 hours on and 24 hours off. If there was an emergency, the 2 men on duty would drive the engine to the scene and the others would be called to fight the fire.
Historic Fire Department

Red Cylinder

The large red cylinder is the siren that was atop the original fire station and police station. It was used to notify the city's firefighters of a fire and to warn residents of a tornado. The siren is still in working order and was used to warn residents during the April 2006 tornado that struck Gallatin.
Fire Department in Downtown Gallatin