Our Mission Statement
The Magnolia Fire Department is dedicated to providing the highest level of emergency services to the citizens of Montgomery County Emergency Service District #10. As a team, we will strive to minimize losses and suffering through the delivery of emergency services, public fire education, public information and community service resulting in improved quality of life and peace of mind. We will provide our service treating those we serve and each other in a manner that is honest, fair, and unbiased. We will honor our heritage, by actively participating in our community, and serving with integrity. We will strive to support the individual development, personal satisfaction, and pride of all members, and endeavor to uphold the unique camaraderie and trust that is the foundation of the Fire Service.
About Us
MFD is a modern and progressive combination fire department providing medical first response and fire protection to an area of approximately 185 square miles. Our fire department is composed of dedicated professional firefighters committed to the highest level of service possible. These highly motivated men and women respond to an average of 6000 incidents per year. MFD is the first fire department in Montgomery County to fully operate on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) infrastructure. Our department is committed to training and utilization of cutting edge technology. We believe in the effective use of public funds to provide the best value for dollars invested in the department.
Magnolia is located about 35 miles North of Houston and is home to more than 138,000 residents. Although Magnolia was once mostly farmland and thick woods, it is now a “hot spot” for several large-scale retailers and subdivisions with homes reaching several million dollars.
Our History
From Celeste Graves book, “Magnolia Memories”
On December 15, 1952, the home of James W. Graves, Jr. burned to the ground. It is ironic that on this same date, Cedric Smith and Wiley P. Williams had gone to Humble, Texas to accept the gift of a used fire truck from C. H. Daniel, who at one time made his home in Magnolia. Bubba Smith, Cedric’s young son, went along for the ride. Mr. Daniel had suggested that the citizens of Magnolia organize a Volunteer Fire Department and offered to give them a 1939 International fire truck. This was the beginning of the fire department that now boasts four fire engine-pumpers, 3 water tankers, 4 grass-fighting (booster) trucks, and one rescue truck – a total of 12 vehicles; with plans to add two more fire trucks. The department is composed of four stations and forty to forty-five members. All of the original members are deceased with the exception of J. A. Purvis, H. E. Moore, and Cedric Smith. They still live in Magnolia.
The Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department started out in 1952 with twelve members. The organizational meeting was held at the home of Joe Hydrick. After that the meetings were always held at Williams Café until the fire station was built. The first fire chief was Murray Thomas. Mr. Thomas had retired from the Houston Fire Department just before moving to Magnolia. The first officers were: Wiley P. Williams, President; Joe Hydrick, Vice-President; J. A. Purvis, Secretary; Ed Chandler, Chaplain; H. C. Dorris, Harry Hanks, and R. N. Sullivan, trustees; Murray Thomas, Fire Chief; Gene Adams and Bannon Damuth Assistant Fire Chiefs; and Ray Austin, Pete Baker, and H. E. Moore, Captains. Within a month after the department organized, others joined – two of which were Roscoe Seyle and Cedric Smith.
The members and their wives worked very hard to raise money to fund the department. Dances were given in the old schoolhouse building in Stoneham. The Seyles and the Dorrises were especially dedicated and were always seen in the concession stands working. Other means of raising money included turkey dinners, barbecues, etc.
The Magnolia VFD has expanded considerably over the years and the area now covered is 250 square miles. A brand new engine with 1000 gallon capacity was recently acquired. Officers elected December 4, 1990 were: Don Purvis, President; Jay Storms, Vice-President, Debbie Sak, Secretary; Tim Sak, Treasurer, Malcolm Purvis, Tommy Gage, and Carmine Sanguedolce, trustees. Officers elected to stations were: Doug Springer, Fire Chief; Randall Stelwagon, Assistant Chief; Edmund Louks, Captain of Station 181; Steve Sanguedolce, Captain of Station 182; Curtis Hoffman, Captain of Station 183; Don Purvis, Captain of Station 184; and Chuck Ringler, Fire Marshall and State Certifying Coordinator.
This was a humble beginning for a fire department that now boasts nine engines, nine water tankers, nine grass trucks, two ladder truck, a rehab truck, seven command vehicles, nine medical response units, and six rescue boats.
Today the department is funded through the Montgomery County Emergency Services District #10.
–Special thanks to Celeste Graves and her book, Magnolia Memories,
on which our historical account is based.