The Glenmore Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. at the firehouse, located at 179 Firehouse Road, in Buckingham County.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include food, awards, recognitions, giveaways, showcases of the fire department and fire trucks and equipment, and State Sen. Mark Peake as the keynote speaker. The occasion seeks to honor and celebrate the founding, accomplishments and history of the fire department.

“This is event will celebrate what the fire department has done over the last 50 years in terms of giving back to this community, working for the greater good of all of our neighbors and uniting us for a common cause — supporting our volunteers and looking out for each other,” said Fire Department President Tommy Joe Steger.

The department was formed and founded in 1967 on land donated by L.L. “Dick” and Hazel Ragland Miles along Route 740, now Firehouse Road. A 40 ft. by 60 ft. cinder block fire house was constructed in 1968.

The department has expanded over the years, adding more vehicles, equipment and constructing an additional building to house equipment. Thirty-five charter members initially met in the sanctuary of the Glenmore United Methodist Church, setting up their siren at Palmore’s Garage — a stone’s throw away from where the fire house now stands. Initiating their chicken barbecues, the group began the process of raising the necessary funds to build a firehouse.

Their first fire truck was a used one, donated by the Dillwyn Volunteer Fire Department.

The Sunday, Nov. 4, event will include recognition and awards for founding members, families of founding members, existing volunteer fire department members, and others who have supported the department throughout the years. The event will also highlight the history of the department and the improvements and changes it has made over the last 50 years.

The department is supported mainly through its fundraisers, such as its ever-popular chicken barbecues, though it receives much support from the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors, other events such as Thor’s Hammer, and private donations.

A Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed to support the fire department in 1972. The auxiliary thrives today, just as the department does in its mission to support the department through fundraising.

“We’re so thankful for what our community has done to support this department,” said longtime Department Chief Pete Agee. “We’re proud to serve the residents of Glenmore and beyond, thankful for what our volunteers — both firemen and members of the ladies auxiliary — do for us and for the support the residents of this county and others who embrace our mission continue to do to help us help our neighbors.”

For more information contact Jordan Miles at (434) 390-7023 or email thomas.jordan.miles@gmail.com.