From humble beginnings to professional service—protecting our community since 1952.

History of the Department

Citing a growing need for fire protection and community services in the budding community of Smith’s Valley, the Smith’s Valley Community Center was established on January 1, 1952. While fire protection was its primary mission, the organization also provided recreational facilities and a central meeting hall to enhance the quality of life within the community.

In November 1953, members of the Community Center voted to separate the fire protection division and form an independent department known as the Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Although it remained a sub-entity of the Community Center, the new department operated with its own officers and membership.

By July 1956, the department had grown to the point that members voted to allow it to function completely independent of the Community Center under its own By-Laws. At that time, the name was officially changed to the White River Township Volunteer Fire Department, marking a significant step forward in its development.

From Volunteer Roots to Modern Service

The department operated as a fully volunteer organization through the mid-1980s. During those early years, funding came primarily from fish fries, carnivals, and modest annual contributions from the Township Trustee. Community support played a vital role in sustaining operations.

In 1986, the White River Township Fire Protection District was established to allow the department to receive dedicated local taxpayer revenue. This marked a transformational period in the department’s history.

Since the formation of the Fire Protection District, the department has evolved from:

  • An all-volunteer organization

  • To paid stand-by staffing

  • To its current status as a career fire department

The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the Johnson County Commissioners. Board members serve alternating two-year terms, with one term expiring each year to ensure continuity and stability in governance.

The Department Today

Today, the White River Township Fire Department operates four active stations—Stations 51, 52, 53, and 254—each housing various apparatus to support emergency response operations throughout Johnson County and in partnership with neighboring agencies.

From humble volunteer beginnings to a modern, professional fire department, WRTFD continues its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the growing community it proudly serves.

Honoring Our History

The White River Township Fire Department extends its sincere thanks to Norman Ford Sr. for his generous donation of the fire helmet he created and wore while serving as a member of the department in 1958.

Norman proudly served WRTFD from 1958 to 1960 and recently presented his helmet to Fire Chief Jeremy Pell in front of a packed room of family members, friends, and department personnel. This remarkable piece of our history will soon be on display at WRTFD Headquarters.

We would also like to recognize and thank Norman’s brother-in-law, Robert Raber, who served the department for 15 years during the 1950s and 1960s.

Without the dedication and service of men like Norman and Robert, our department would not be what it is today. Their commitment laid the foundation that allows us to continue protecting and serving our community with pride and professionalism.

A group of five firefighter and veteran officers are gathered around a wooden podium, presenting or receiving a folded American flag. The background features framed pictures and a plaque, and the officers are dressed in uniforms, some with hats. The
Four men in uniform gather around an ambulance vehicle with a house in the background.
Group of people posing around a fire truck in front of a building with a sign that reads 'White River Twp,' dated 1977.
A historical letter from the Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office dated February 3, 1960, commending White River Township Volunteer Fire Department members for investigating an arson case involving a 1953 Mercury 2-door car.
Black and white photo of vintage fire trucks and firefighters standing in front of a fire station with a sign reading 'Wright At Your Service'.
White River Township Volunteer Fire Department fire truck parked outside a building.
American flag flying in front of a white fire department building with a sign that reads 'White River TWP Vol Fire Dept.' Two fire trucks are parked outside in a grassy area.
Vintage fire trucks parked outside the White River Township Volunteer Fire Department building, with an American flag flying overhead.
Two vintage fire trucks parked outside a fire department building with a sign that reads 'White River Twp Fire Dept' and Coca-Cola advertisements.
Black and white photo of a building with an American flag flying on a flagpole outside. The building has large windows and a stepped roofline.
Black and white photo of a vintage race car on a dark track, with bright lights and an audience or officials in the background.
Two men are giving first aid to a third man who has an oxygen mask on, while a fourth man talks on a mobile phone. A poster about shock caused by injury is in the background.
Three individuals standing outdoors near a fire truck marked 'White River Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc.', with one person handing a plaque to another.
A woman is standing next to a yellow fire truck, smiling and waving, while a firefighter is engaged with the truck on a rural road, with a grassy field and trees in the background.
Yellow vintage fire truck with emergency lights and equipment, labeled 'White River Twp. Vol. Fire Dept 6', parked next to a building.
Black and white photo of a burned-down building with smoke and debris, labeled 'Walker’s Hatchery' with the date 3-22-64.
An overturned race car on the grass with a fire truck in the background, trees without leaves, and two men standing nearby, one wearing a cap and the other in a jacket.
A black and white photo of a car accident with a flipped-over vehicle and three people standing nearby, possibly police officers or investigators.
Three vintage fire trucks parked in front of a fire station building labeled 'White River Twp Vol Fire Dept' on a clear day.
Close-up of a fire truck control panel with various gauges, switches, and dials, including a fire hose nozzle at the bottom left and hoses stored on top.
The back of a red fire truck with open compartments showing firefighting equipment, including two fire extinguishers, lights on top, and various tools and supplies inside.
Red fire truck parked outdoors on a clear day with trees and houses in the background.
Two vintage yellow fire trucks parked in front of a station building labeled 'White River Twp Vol Fire Dept' with a house and trees in the background.
Fire station building with a sign reading "White River Twp Vol Fire Dept" and two vintage fire trucks parked in front.
A burning building labeled 'RESTAURANT' with smoke coming from it, a crane overhead, and a person riding a bicycle in the foreground. Handwritten date '5-16-82' at the top.
A train derailed on tracks with debris scattered around. An individual stands nearby observing the scene, with utility poles and buildings in the background.
Vintage photograph of a person standing next to a yellow flatbed truck with a blue shirt, parked on grass with trees and other trucks in the background.
Emergency responders working near a yellow fire utility truck in a parking lot during the daytime with trees and a park nearby, and people sitting and standing in the background.
Group of firefighters in firefighting gear practicing on a field with a rope line, with onlookers in the background.
Firefighters training with fire trucks and hoses on a grassy field with trees in the background.
People gathered outside a brick building, watching firefighters practice with a fire hose on a grassy field during daytime.
Group of people posing with fire trucks outside a fire station in black and white photo.
Black and white photo of the White River Township Fire Department with fire trucks and firefighters, a group of people standing and squatting in front of the vehicles, houses and an overcast sky in the background.
Four women in firefighter uniforms standing in front of a yellow fire truck with the text 'White River Twp Fire Dept Inc.' on the side.
Group of firefighters standing in front of fire trucks, posing for a team photo at a fire station.
A group of children and firefighters standing in front of yellow fire trucks on a parking lot, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
Four firefighters standing in front of a yellow fire truck. One person is dressed in casual clothes, while the others wear firefighting gear, including helmets and protective jackets.
Miniature model of five parked fire trucks in a parking lot.
Group of young emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, standing outdoors in front of yellow fire trucks and emergency vehicles, wearing orange and light blue uniforms.
A vintage black and white photo of three women kneeling by a collection of boxes in front of a fire truck with the words 'White River Township Volunteer Fire Department Inc' visible on it. The women are identified as members of the Ladies Group donat
A man in a postal uniform giving a slice of cake to an elderly man wearing a cap and work overalls, with a postal truck in the background.
Group of eight people, including men and women, standing together, some wearing uniforms with badges. It appears to be a formal or professional gathering, possibly related to the military or emergency services.
Black and white photograph of a vintage car damaged by fire, parked in front of a house. An older man is standing next to it, looking at the vehicle. The photo is from Smith Valley in Greenwood, Indiana, with notes about a car fire on Smith Valley Ro
A historical black-and-white photograph showing a group of seven people, five women and two men, standing outdoors. The group appears to be engaged in a medical or health-related activity, with one woman receiving a checkup or health measurement from
Group of six people, including firefighters and officials, standing on dirt ground during groundbreaking ceremony in front of a large water tower.
Group of Boy Scouts and adult leaders posing outdoors on a field, some in uniform, one holding a flag, during daytime.
A person wearing a coat and boots, viewed from behind, is holding a hose and spraying water onto the ground in a scene with smoke or steam.
Black and white photo of a vintage fire truck from 1978, parked outdoors with a puddle reflecting its image, and handwritten notes at the top reading "Training 1978".
A sepia-toned vintage photograph shows two young firefighters in uniform, kneeling next to a fire truck. The fire truck has the words 'White River Tour Vol. Fire Dept. Inc.' painted on it. One firefighter is holding a rolled-up fire hose, and the oth
Group of five firefighters in uniform posing next to a fire truck with 'White River Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept Inc.' painted on the door.
Seven firefighters in uniform standing in front of a fire truck. The truck has 'White River Fire Dept. Inc.' written on the side.
A black and white photo of a group of people, including firemen in uniform and a woman with children, standing near a vintage fire truck, a classic car, and a pickup truck from the 1960s in an outdoor setting.
A car crash scene where a vehicle has flipped over on its side off the road with damage, and several people, including emergency responders, are inspecting the wreckage. A fire rescue vehicle is present nearby.
Two people sitting at a long table in what appears to be a kitchen or break room. The man on the left has a beard and is wearing a light-colored shirt, while the woman on the right has short hair and is wearing a dress or uniform. There is a vintage
Black and white photo of people working on the roof of a high school building labeled 'High School.' Two individuals are on the ground near a ladder, assisting with work on the roof. Several workers are on the roof, with handwritten notes identifying
A building on fire with smoke billowing out, and firefighters working to extinguish the blaze. An aircraft is flying overhead.
Two firefighters in uniform standing next to a yellow fire truck, discussing something outside a building.
Person getting soaked by a fire extinguisher spray outside a brick building with the number 398 on it.
Five yellow emergency vehicles parked outside a fire station with three garage doors.
Young cadets at a fire safety event, sitting at a table with firefighting gear, with a sign reading  White River Twp. Cadets Fire Dept., inside a fire station or community center.
A black-and-white photo of a group of women and children seated at tables in a cafeteria or community center, with three men in uniform standing and walking in the background, possibly staff or officials.
Fire truck parked indoors with a person climbing the ladder and a skeleton statue on top.
Two yellow fire trucks parked on a grassy area near the road, with a sign advertising fish fry. There are a few cars in the background and trees.
A group of seven people posing in front of a truck with a sign that reads "White River Twp. Youth". Two people are seated in front, and five are standing, including a person in a baseball uniform. One person is holding a book or notebook.
A group of emergency responders, including police officers and paramedics, gathered around a man in a uniform, examining medical equipment in a black-and-white photo.
Three men, two police officers and a civilian, sitting on the floor of a drug store surrounded by shelves of supplies. The police officers are in uniform, wearing hats and ties, and appear to be examining first aid supplies donated by the drug store,
A firefighter in uniform holding a young child, both looking serious. The child is wrapped in a blanket.
Black and white photo of a fire-fighting training session from 1958, showing firefighters handling hoses with smoke and fire in the background, and a small label at the bottom indicating 'Fire-fighting School 1958'.
Black and white photograph of a group of people, mostly men, standing in a line, holding certificates. Several names are handwritten above their heads, including Glenn Douthie, Adolph J. Young, Dave Fister, Glenn Kyle, Dave Bancherd, Phat Connelle, M
Five people standing in front of a large fire truck in an outdoor parking lot, with trees and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a car accident scene near a roadside. A tilted utility pole is leaning onto a large fire truck in a field. Several people, including men and children, are gathered around inspecting the fallen pole. There are cars parked al
A vintage car crash scene with a car on fire, surrounded by emergency vehicles and people observing, in a rural area.
A vintage fire truck parked outside a mid-century modern building, with door lettering reading 'Fleming Garden, K.V.F.D.'
Typewritten document titled 'Smith Valley Community Center, Inc. Board Meeting November 2, 1953,' with notes on board activities, signings, discussions, and motions from the meeting.
Children and adults gathered around fire trucks during a parade or event on a clear day.
A vintage fire truck stopped on a street with a crowd of children and adults gathered around it, during what appears to be a community event outdoors.
A firefighter standing next to a fire truck, talking to a group of children outdoors on a street, with some adults nearby.
Black and white photo of two firefighters cleaning a fire truck in a parking lot, with other fire trucks in the background.
Black and white photo of a vintage vehicle, possibly a fire truck, with a badge that reads 'Dane' on the front. The vehicle has large, prominent headlights and side mirrors. It is parked on a dirt surface near a building with a window, with residenti
A vintage fire truck with the words "White River Twp Volunteer Fire Dept. Inc." on the side, parked in front of a house with a pitched roof and chimney, in black and white.
Back of vintage fire truck with two helmets, jackets, and firefighting equipment hanging, parked outside a building.
A black-and-white photo of a woman and a man holding plaques or awards, wearing name tags, in an indoor setting with some decorative background items.
Black and white photo of five men standing in front of a fire truck with handwritten names above their heads: Bob, Larry, Steve, Joe M., and Dave. The truck has a sign reading "Choute River Twp Vol Fire Dept Inc."
Black and white photo showing a car crash with a seriously damaged vehicle and several people gathered around at night.
A group of people, including police officers, standing near a large truck on the side of the road during daylight.
Black and white photo of nine men, some in uniform and some in civilian clothing, posing around rescue equipment including a K-12 rescue saw. A truck with partially visible text is behind them.
An old fire truck parked on a street with other cars and buildings in the background.
A white vintage fire truck with the number 2 on its side, parked outdoors near power lines and trees.
Vintage fire truck parked in front of a building with a Coca-Cola sign, labeled 'River Tov Fire Dept'.
Two vintage fire trucks parked in front of a building with a blue facade, with signs indicating a fire department and Coca-Cola advertisement.
Vintage red cross fire truck parked outside a building with a Coca-Cola sign on the wall.
A group of eleven firefighters and volunteers posing in front of a vintage White River Township fire truck. The group includes both men and women dressed in firefighter uniforms and casual jackets.
A firefighter in uniform standing next to a vintage White River Township fire rescue truck.
Firefighters spraying water on a fire in an outdoor area, with a crowd in the background.
Three firefighters in red shirts and hats standing on a fire truck on a rural street, with houses and trees in the background.
Vintage fire truck with a person standing in the driver’s seat and others on top, during daytime with partly cloudy sky and power lines in the background.
A vintage fire truck parked in front of a building with a sign that reads 'Over TWP Vol Fire Dept.' The fire truck is white with emergency lights on top and a ladder on the side.
Vintage fire rescue vehicle parked outside a fire department building, with firefighting equipment and additional emergency vehicles visible.
A fire truck parked on a snow-covered street near a house with leafless trees in the background.
Vintage fire rescue truck parked on the side of a road with trees in the background.
Vintage White River Township volunteer fire truck in a fire station garage.
Child dressed in a bear mascot costume standing next to a yellow fire truck, waving with one hand.
Yellow fire truck parked outdoors during daytime with tools and equipment visible on the side, and a rural background.
Yellow vintage Ford fire truck with sirens and equipment, parked inside a fire station.
A person wearing a yellow and red jacket and a black helmet driving a large vehicle, possibly a truck, with the dashboard and steering wheel visible and large windows showing a clear sky outside.
An old white fire department truck from White River Township, parked on snow-covered ground with a rural background.
Three yellow fire rescue trucks parked in front of a sign that reads 'White River Township Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.' on a grassy area with trees in the background.
Yellow vintage fire truck with ladder, sirens, and emergency lights parked on a residential street.
Storage compartment containing two breathing masks, two orange cylinders, and tied ropes.
Firefighter in protective gear operating valve on bright yellow fire truck panel with gauges, dials, and salvage tools.
Fire extinguishers and various tools mounted on a yellow wall, including hooks, a chain, and hand tools.
Yellow fire truck with hoses attached, labeled 'White River Valley Fire Dept. Inc.' parked on an outdoor surface
Two yellow fire trucks parked on a paved surface with a firefighter standing between them, connecting hoses.
Yellow vintage fire truck parked near leafless trees along a rural road.
Red GMC emergency rescue truck with a light bar on top, parked on a gravel road near open fields with some trees in the background.
A row of vintage yellow fire trucks and a red fire truck parked outside a fire station, with a building labeled 'White River Twp Vol Fire Dept' and the American flag flying above.
Fire extinguisher and fire suppression system inside a yellow metal cabinet with hoses and gauges.
Group of young firefighters and a few girls posing in front of a yellow fire truck, wearing light blue uniforms and looking at the camera.
People repairing or working on two cars in front of a white garage with a yellow fire truck inside.
Two firefighters in uniform standing next to a vintage yellow fire truck with a large control panel on the side.
Children and adults gather around a yellow fire truck in a neighborhood, with houses and parked cars in the background. A bicycle and a stroller are on the sidewalk.
Several fire trucks parked outside the White River Twp Volunteer Fire Department building during daytime, with an American flag flying on a pole.