Fire Department · Combination
Henderson County Fire Department
Lexington, TN · Henderson County
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Henderson County Fire Department protects the unincorporated areas of Henderson County, Tennessee, from its base in Lexington. Established in 1978, the department has grown to operate 11 fire stations spread across the county's 550 square miles.
The department is almost entirely volunteer-driven: around 190 volunteer firefighters serve alongside a single full-time Fire Chief and two part-time assistant chiefs. Together they protect a population of about 16,500 residents outside the county's city limits.
The department credits its work with saving local property owners roughly $3.1 million per year, reflected in a Class 6 insurance rating for properties outside city limits. It works closely with the City of Lexington and the Town of Scotts Hill through mutual aid.
Missionprotect life and property from fire and educate the public on fire safety and prevention
Henderson County Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization and does not offer paid firefighter positions. Community members age 18 and older can join as volunteer firefighters, and a junior firefighter program is available for ages 15 to 18.
New volunteers complete a 64-hour basic training course plus live fire training, meeting the state fire academy requirement within their first year, and then maintain a minimum of four hours of training per month. Training is provided at no cost, and the department supplies protective gear, though volunteers must furnish their own boots.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18 (junior firefighter program available for ages 15-18)
- Complete a 64-hour basic training course plus live fire training within the first year (state fire academy requirement)
- Maintain a minimum of 4 hours of training monthly
- Provide your own boots (other protective gear is supplied)
Benefits
This is an unpaid, all-volunteer role. The department provides protective gear and covers the cost of all required and ongoing training; volunteers supply their own boots.
New volunteers complete a 64-hour basic course plus live fire training, satisfying the state fire academy requirement within their first year.
Does Henderson County Fire Department hire paid firefighters?
No. The department is almost entirely volunteer, with about 190 volunteer firefighters supported by one full-time Fire Chief and two part-time assistant chiefs. Volunteer roles are unpaid.
What are the requirements to become a volunteer firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old. New volunteers complete a 64-hour basic training course plus live fire training within their first year and maintain at least 4 hours of training each month.
Is there a program for younger people interested in firefighting?
Yes. The department offers a junior firefighter program for ages 15 to 18.
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
The department provides protective gear, but volunteers must supply their own boots. All training is provided at no cost.
Where is the department located and how do I reach it?
The department is at 50 Natchez Trace Drive, Lexington, TN 38351, and can be reached at (731) 968-4153. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.