The Florence Volunteer Fire Department has received a cease-and-desist letter from the Florence Fire Protection District (FFPD), effective Dec. 31. This decision will profoundly impact both the volunteers who have dedicated their lives to serving the community and the residents who rely on their service.
What Does This Mean?
Starting Dec. 31, FVFD volunteers will no longer be permitted to run fire calls.
All equipment owned by the FVFD must be removed from Station 1, including tables, chairs, kitchen appliances, exercise equipment, TVs, computer equipment and many other essential items.
Why Is This Happening?
The conflict stems from a request by an FFPD board member, urging FVFD to change its name to align with the FFPD branding as “FFPD Station 1.” This request was denied by the FVFD to preserve its historic identity, which formed in 1890. For context, the FFPD was not formed until 1952 at the request of the volunteers.
Since 2017, the FFPD has rebranded all volunteer stations under its name, removing direct financial support or benefits to the FVFD. Volunteers who joined before 2017 were grandfathered in, but this eviction now marks the end of their service within the community.
Community Impact
This decision will have significant consequences:
Without FVFD volunteers, there will be fewer personnel available to respond to fire calls outside of regular business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday). This reduction could delay critical responses to fires and emergencies, putting homes, businesses and lives at greater risks.
The removal of equipment from the station will disrupt the day-to-day operations of paid firefighters and EMS personnel who rely on those facilities. With EMS crews working 24-hour shifts, losing access to essential equipment like kitchen appliances, tables and exercise equipment will undermine their ability to serve effectively.
What Can You Do?
Your voice matters. The FFPD board meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month in Florence Fire Station 1, at 300 W. Main St. in Florence. Upcoming meetings are Dec. 3 and Dec. 17. FVFD urges community members to attend these meetings and express their concerns. Together, the volunteers and community members can advocate for a resolution that preserves the legacy of the FVFD and ensures the safety and well-being of the community.