About | Hobart Volunteer Fire Department

About the Department

The Hobart Volunteer Fire Department was formally established in 1872, making it one of the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire departments in the region. For over 150 years, the men and women of this department have answered the call to protect the Village of Hobart and its surrounding service area along the Ohio River.

As an all-volunteer organization, the department relies on dedicated community members who give their time and effort without compensation. Our volunteers undergo regular training in fire suppression, emergency medical response, hazardous materials awareness, and vehicle extrication.

The department maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments to ensure adequate response capability throughout our service area. These partnerships are essential to our operations, particularly during large-scale incidents or periods of high call volume.

Department History

1823

The Village of Hobart is founded along the banks of the Ohio River. Early fire response relies on informal bucket brigades organized among neighbors and tradesmen.

1830

The Ledger Panic strikes Hobart. A fire destroys the Gaines & Ridley warehouse on Canal Street, spreading to two adjacent buildings before it is contained. The incident prompts village leaders to begin formal discussions about organized fire response.

1872

The Hobart Volunteer Fire Department is formally established by Village Council resolution. Twelve founding members sign the department charter. A hand-drawn hose cart serves as the department's first apparatus.

1874

The Ladies Auxiliary is founded, two years after the establishment of the fire department. The Auxiliary serves as the institutional backbone of Hobart Fire Guard, coordinating logistics, overseeing ceremonial functions, and safeguarding the continuity of the department's mission.

1891

The department acquires its first horse-drawn steam pumper, significantly improving firefighting capability. The apparatus is housed in a converted livery stable on Hocking Street.

1923

The department's first motorized fire engine is placed in service, replacing the aging steam pumper. The village celebrates fifty years of organized fire protection.

1987

The current Station 1 facility is completed at 142 Hopewell Street, at the corner of Gallia Street and Hopewell Street. The station features three apparatus bays, a training room, and modern amenities for volunteer personnel.

2003

Engine 2, a pumper unit, enters service. The apparatus significantly enhances the department's water supply capability in areas without hydrant access.

2025

Engine 2 is lost during a maintenance-related fire at Station 1. No personnel are injured. The department establishes the Engine Replacement Fund and continues operations with Engine 1 and mutual aid partnerships.

Leadership

Chief Paul Givens

Chief Givens has served with the Hobart Volunteer Fire Department for over twenty years, rising through the ranks from volunteer firefighter to department chief. Under his leadership, the department has maintained its tradition of dedicated community service while navigating the challenges inherent to a small, volunteer-based organization.

Station Information

HVFD Station 1 is located at 142 Hopewell Street, at the corner of Gallia Street and Hopewell Street in the Village of Hobart. The facility, completed in 1987, features three apparatus bays, a training room, and support facilities for volunteer personnel.

Volunteer Heritage: The Hobart Volunteer Fire Department has never employed a paid firefighter. Every member of this department serves their community as a volunteer. This tradition of selfless service is the foundation of everything we do.