The Stockdale VFD was officially organized in 1926, formed by 47 dedicated men who came together for one purpose: to extinguish fires and protect life and property. As a non-profit organization, the department adopted its own by-laws and elected officers, including a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, chief, and assistant chief — laying the foundation for the department we know today.

The spark that led to the department’s formation was the devastating Braznell Coal Mining Company fire on April 30, 1926, when three double houses were completely destroyed, leaving six families homeless. At the time, firefighting in Stockdale relied on bucket brigades and an Ajax chemical fire cart, the very one pictured here.

During the Braznell fire, every available water source was used — cisterns, a nearby swamp along the railroad tracks, and even water supplied from railroad engine tenders that came from Brownsville, eight miles away. Mutual aid poured in from neighboring departments including Charleroi, North Charleroi, California, Roscoe, and Allenport.

While fires had occurred in Stockdale before, it was this tragic event that truly united the community and led to the creation of the Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department.

As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we’re proud to share these weekly throwbacks honoring the dedication, sacrifice, and determination of those who came before us. 🚒❤️

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