Derby Fire Department

     In the late 1930’s a few citizens of Derby decided the town should have some fire-fighting equipment. They purchased some from the Chariton Department. In addition, they had a four-wheel trailer with ladders, buckets and other items. In 1941 they solicited subscriptions from everyone in the area and a committee composed of L. W. Cottingham, Giles Lowe, and Everett F. Davis, went to New London, Iowa, and bought an old fire truck with a good pump for $500. A new one would have cost $5,000 to $6,000. Their equipment was stored in different buildings which hampered efficiency. In 1952 the city council bought the Johnson harness shop and converted it into the fire station, bought a Ford truck and transferred the equipment. Early members of the department were Charles Hilliard, Chief; Clell Fulton, Treasurer, and Ernest F. Davis, now Mayor.

     For help they depended on other volunteers who would come to the fires and there was always help.

     Derby’s fire record is enviable. There ha been only one business fire. It was in the basement of a grocery store six or eight years ago. There have been three residence fires, one of which burned completely. The other two were roof fires and one of these had an unique condition which was most favorable to the firemen. They were drawing water from a cistern and as fast as it was thrown on the roof, it ran down the gutter, back into the cistern, whence it was pumped right back to douse the roof. This happy accommodation continued until the fire was brought under control and extinguished.

     Mr. Davis recalls a fire half a mile away, called in by a man who lived half a mile from it. He hung up the receiver, grabbed his coat and just as he was getting into his car he saw the Derby fire truck turn in on the fire! The firemen has been in their recreation room next door when the call came and got away in ‘nothing flat’. Verily, speed is a way of life for dedicated firemen!
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The following is from the Lucas County Heritage 2000 book:    
In 1996 Derby began upgrading their Volunteer Fire Department.  In May of 1999, a new 30' x 60' fire station that houses three fire trucks and adjoining City Office was completed.  The same year saw the purchase of a 1,500-gallon tanker and a grass fire attack truck.
     Added in the year 2000 is a Ford Luverne Pumper Truck, replacing a 1956 pumper truck.
     This was all accomplished with the support of their community.
     The Fire Department has, at this time, 12 active members; Fire Chief Steve Porterfield, Assistant Fire Chief Gary Fogle; Pearl Teater, Don McKinney, Jay Watsabaugh, Darrin Wendt, Sharon Wendt, Chris Chapman, Wes Shanks, Mike Newton, Jason Newton, and David Smith.