The DeBary Volunteer Firemen’s Association — doing business as The DeBary Volunteer Fire Support Team — was founded by neighbors in 1953 as the first fire department for the area that would one day become the City of DeBary, Florida. More than seventy years later we still exist for one reason: to serve the citizens and visitors of DeBary and the emergency responders who protect them.
1953
Founded June 23, 1953 by DeBary residents.
1,500+
Men and women who have served since then.
~2,000 hours
Volunteered to the city and residents each year.
Support 33
Our rehab unit, in service since 2022.
Our mission
We serve the citizens and visitors of DeBary through the promotion of fire-safety ideals, and through fundraising and other support for the emergency responders in the city. In practice that means three things:
- Supporting responders on scene. When requested by the Chief or officer-in-charge, our Support Members bring Support 33 to fires and extended emergencies to provide rehab — water, sports drinks, snacks, ice, shade, cooling and a place to recover — for firefighters, deputies, medics and others. We also help displaced residents with immediate comfort and clothing.
- Equipping the department. Through pancake breakfasts, our annual mailer and Challenge Coins we buy equipment and supplies that may not fit the fire department’s regular budget — from a drop tank for areas without hydrants to supplies for Fire Station 39.
- Educating our neighbors. From Fire Prevention Week resources to our safety blog and interactive checklist, we help DeBary families prevent fires and prepare for emergencies.
Who we are — and who we are not
Because our roots are in DeBary’s original volunteer fire department, people sometimes assume we are the fire department. We are not. Since 2009 the City of DeBary has contracted fire and rescue services to the Orange City Fire Department, whose career firefighters staff DeBary’s stations. In 2023 we filed the name “The DeBary Volunteer Fire Support Team” to reduce that confusion, while keeping “The DeBary Volunteer Firemen’s Association” as our legal identity.
We never fundraise door-to-door. If someone comes to your door claiming to collect for “firefighters” or “the new fire station,” please contact the DeBary office of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. Give safely through our Support page.
Our story in brief
In October 1952 a group of residents met to talk about the lack of fire protection; the Association was legally formed on June 23, 1953. The first engine, a 1943 Chevrolet pumper-tanker, arrived in 1954, and DeBary’s first firehouse was dedicated at 10 Colomba Road in 1955 — the same building that serves as our Association Hall today. When Volusia County took over fire protection in 1984, the Support Team was born, and in 1989 members founded the Mutual Aid Support Team (MAST). Read the full Association History.
Leadership
The Association is governed by a volunteer board elected by its members. Our officers include President Alan Crawford (serving since 1983), Vice President for membership Donald Neyer (50 years of service), Treasurer & Quartermaster David Butlien, Secretary Yvonne Staab, and Directors David Casey and Judy Crawford. Meet our board and members.
Our values
Service
We show up — at 3 a.m. brush fires, at Christmas parades and at the pancake griddle.
Integrity
Every dollar raised in DeBary is used to support DeBary’s responders and residents.
Education
Prevention saves more lives than any piece of equipment.
Community
Neighbors helping neighbors — the same idea that started us in 1953.
Partners & thanks
We are grateful to the City of DeBary, the Orange City Fire Department, Volusia County Fire Rescue, Clay County Fire Rescue, DeBary Paint and Body, Image Works, The Coloni Family Foundation and every resident and business who has cooked, donated, volunteered or simply bought a pancake.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Support Team the DeBary Fire Department?
No. Fire and rescue service in DeBary is provided by the Orange City Fire Department under contract with the City. We are an independent volunteer association that supports those firefighters and our residents.
What does “DVFA” stand for?
DeBary Volunteer Firemen’s Association — our legal name since 1953. Since 2023 we also do business as The DeBary Volunteer Fire Support Team.
How is the Association funded?
Entirely by community support: pancake breakfasts, our annual mailer, Challenge Coins, online and mailed donations, and partner fundraisers.
What is the Association’s tax status?
We are a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt social welfare organization. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.