TRINITY — After downtown Trinity was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1909, the need for a fire department became apparent.
On Valentine’s Day 1914, the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department was chartered with 12 men. On Saturday, 110 years later, the current membership of the department unveiled a Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission, which recognizes Trinity Volunteer Fire Department as a significant part of Texas history.
Current Fire Chief Keith Johnson, the latest of only 13 chiefs that have led the department, said he was tasked several years ago by long-serving Chief Hayne Huffman to begin the process for the marker.
“I missed a meeting where Hayne wanted someone to do a narrative for the marker, so this landed in my lap,” he said.
With the help of Trinity County Historical Commission Chair Susanne Waller, Johnson said he created an eight-page narrative to send to the Texas Historical Commission, which was done last year. A year later, they were notified about receiving the designation, and the plaque was received two months ago.
We are glad we received this, as we are a part of Trinity history,” Johnson said. “This also is a testament to the dedication of the firefighters of this community.”
