The Fire House That Fried Chicken Built

Goose Creek Island Fire House dedication, July 10, 1982 

     L-R, Earl Sadler, Sr., Blaine Rowe, Sr., Charlie Jones, Jeff Potter

     30 years ago, on Saturday, July 10th, 1982, the Goose Creek Island Volunteer Fire Department opened the doors to their new fire house.  With a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house, over 60 people participated in the celebration.
      The Goose Creek Island VFD was created in 1969, however it was re-organized in 1979 with 15 charter members.  Those members actively began to pursue building a fire house and procure equipment that was needed to provide emergency services to the citizens of Goose Creek Island.  A ladies auxiliary group also formed to assist in the fund-raising efforts for the reorganized department.
     Earl Sadler, Sr., seeing the need for a fire house, graciaously donated the land for the building.  The Goose Creek Island Ruritan Club actively went to work to help the VFD with fund-raising efforts.  For approximately 2 years, the Ruritan Club sponsored fund-raising fried chicken dinners on the 4th Saturday of each month.  Over $10,000 had been raised in those 2 years by the many fried chicken dinners the Ruritan Club served.  Even after the building opened, the Ruritan Club continued their monthly dinners to help support the efforts of the VFD.  The ladies auxiliary group also raised money by sponsoring a Spring Festival, participating in the Annual Homecoming activities, and a Haunted House.

      With the building complete and equipment purchased, the fire house was dedicated on July 10, 1982.  Participating in the ceremony was Blaine Rowe, Charlie Jones, Earl Sadler, Sr., and Jeff Potter.  Blaine Rowe, President of the Board of Directors, summed up the consensus of the occasion by stating, " We're new, but we're strong.  And if anybody needs assistance anywhere, we're capable and ready to go.  It has taken a lot of foot work and hard work and thank the Lord, our efforts have paid off."
     So many people were involved in the establishment of the VFD over 30 years ago.  Many of those folks are no longer with us, yet there are so many who have stepped up and carried forth the need for emergency services on the island.  As Audrey Popperwill, 1982 President of the ladies auxillairy group stated at the dedication ceremony 30 years ago, "We are proud to be a part of this organization and have a fire department.  Like all the members, it's a privilege to work for the betterment of our community."
     To all the former members and current members, thank you for a job well done and thank you for continuing to keep Goose Creek Island a wonderful place to live.

Chief, Jeff Potter and Audrey Popperwill, President of Ladies Auxiliary cut the dedication cake.

Folks enjoying the refreshments served by the Ladies Auxiliary.