A Look Back
Over 1500 men and women have given of their time and skills to the citizens and visitors of DeBary, since the group was formed.
In October of 1952, a group of residents got together to discuss the lack of fire protection; two weeks later, they decided to start a volunteer fire company. On June 23, 1953, the legal papers were received back, and the DeBary Volunteer Firemen’s Association was born. Ed Healy was named the first Fire Chief and the first call came in October for a brush fire.
The department obtained its first fire engine in May of 1954; a 1943 Chevrolet combination pumper tanker from the city of Leesburg. The engine may have been an Army Air Force surplus truck; Leesburg was an Army Air Corps base during the war.
The city’s first firehouse was finished and dedicated on February 13, 1955. This building still stands at 10 Columba Rd. and now serves as our Association Hall.
March 1962: The Firemen’s Recreation Hall was dedicated, and t is now known as Florence K. Little Hall.
In 1974, a new metal fire house, Station 14, was built on the corner beside the original fire house and was big enough to house multiple vehicles as well as offices and crew quarters.
In December 1983, DeBary gets 911 service.
In 1984, the department came under County control, and DeBary was protected by Volusia County Fire Services, bringing the first Full-time Firefighters. The fire house was redesignated as Station 33, and the Support Team was born.
Then, in 2009, the city contracted fire/rescue services to the Orange City Fire Department, who now staff our station.
In 2015 the city bought the newest “Engine 33” from Pierce Mfg.; it has a 1250 GPM pump and carries 750 gallons of water, and a variety of Medical and rescue equipment.
In 2016, the city decided it was time for a “new” firehouse, and in July 2017, the new Station 33, became the third fire house in DeBary history.
In order to more accurately represent our purpose and activities in and around the City of DeBary, we have filed a new name (DBA) for our group: "The DeBary Volunteer Fire Support Team"
Because of population growth, the city is now planning to add a 2nd station in 2023. It will be Station 39. A new Engine will also be purchased.
Our new Support Vehicle
In 2021, the Association arranged to have a replacement vehicle donated to us by Clay County, FL. Thanks to DeBary residents and businesses, we were able to repaint, re-letter and equip the “New Support 33” which was put into service in 2022 - click here to be taken to the page to learn all about the "NEW" Support 33