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About Melfa Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, Inc.
Founded in May 1950, the Melfa Volunteer Fire Company began with a single piece of apparatus - a 1924 American LaFrance engine housed in a local barn. By 1955, the department had established its first firehouse on Council Street, laying the foundation for a legacy of service and community commitment.
A major milestone came on January 17, 1966, when the fire company merged with the Citizens Rescue Squad, a volunteer ambulance service formed in December 1960. This unification created the Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company and brought the department to its new home in the former Citizens Rescue Squad station - just down the street from the original firehouse.
In 2005, the company moved into a newly constructed facility at 28328 Hatton Street, built on the same site as the former squad station. Today, this modern station serves as the central hub for emergency operations, training, and community outreach.
Who We Are Today
Melfa Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co., Inc. (MVFR) is a fully volunteer, combination fire and EMS department proudly serving approximately 3,000 residents in the rural community of Melfa, located in Accomack County, Virginia.
With no paid county staffing, MVFR relies entirely on the dedication of its volunteer members - individuals who balance careers, families, and personal responsibilities to provide essential emergency services 24/7.
MVFR responds to a wide range of emergency calls, including:
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Medical emergencies and traumatic injuries
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Motor vehicle accidents
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Structural, brush, and commercial fires
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Hazardous materials incidents
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Aircraft emergencies
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Public service and standby requests
Our first-due coverage area includes a regional airport and a heavily traveled section of Lankford Highway (U.S. Route 13), resulting in frequent responses for accidents, traffic control, and special operations. We also provide mutual aid to neighboring departments, reinforcing regional readiness and cooperation.
Proudly Serving Since 1950
For more than 70 years, MVFR has remained a steadfast symbol of community pride, resilience, and volunteerism. From our modest beginnings in a barn to the modern, multifaceted service we provide today, our mission endures:
To protect life and property with dedication, professionalism, and respect.
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