Midway Vol. Fire Department:
The Midway Volunteer Fire Department started out as a sub-station for the East Grand Plains Vol. Fire Department, it was spun off as its own department in November of 1983 using an old truck donated to them by the East Grand Plains Vol. Fire Department. It was located on No-Name Road and operated out of a one-car garage owned by the Chesser family. The garage allowed a one-inch clearance on either side of the unit so it was a little difficult to maneuver in. Shortly after that the department received a 6x6 from the Berrendo Vol. Fire Department that had the wiring burned up. Once they completely replaced all of the wiring they were set to go. When they received the 6x6 they moved out of the one car garage into a building that is located at Hwy. 285 and Darby Rd.
In 1984 the County built them a 40 x 60 metal building that did not have any interior features so they had to install their own plumbing. They have since received a Legislative Grant that allowed them to completely finish their building and add on a training facility and kitchen.
This department was also the first department in Chaves County to receive new fire trucks purchased with the County Gross Receipts tax revenues. Chief Fuller of Midway, Chief Powell of Penasco, Chief Collins of Sierra and Chief Bowen of Berrendo Vol. Fire Departments meeting and setting up the Fire Apparatus Replacement Schedule which sets out the guidelines and time-frame for the replacement of County Fire Apparatus and use of the Gross Receipts Tax.
The department received a State Fire Fund allotment of $77,451 to operate with this year. They just awarded a bid for their Second Main Station which will be located on Honolulu Road, West of Highway 285 South.
They are the only department in Chaves County to still be operating under their original and only Fire Chief Ornell Fuller. The Midway Vol. Fire Department has 20 members and fire apparatus consisting of:
Two Pumpers:
1992 Chevrolet, 1,250gpm pump and a 1,500-gallon tank.
1984 GMC, 750gpm pump and a 1,000-gallon tank.
One Tanker:
1994 Freightliner, 500gpm pump and a 3,000-gallon tank.
One Initial Attack:
1992 Chevrolet, 500gpm pump and a 450-gallon tank.
Two Brush Trucks:
1996 Chevrolet, 200gpm pump and a 350-gallon tank.
2002 Ford F550, 200gpm pump and a 500-gallon tank.
One Command Unit:
1993 Chevrolet Van donated to the department by the Sheriff’s Office.