It’s one of those decade anniversaries that mean a little more than the ones in between. Just like the birthday associated with mid-life, it’s the one we’d just as soon skip.

Not to worry, say those in charge. There’s no mid-life crisis here. Why, we’re just getting started.

The Peachtree City Fire Department is 40 this year.

Not that 40 years is a long time for a fire department to be in existence. London’s fire department was established in 1667, the year after one of the worst fires in history leveled 13,000 buildings and left thousands homeless. It was formed as most early fire companies were, as an adjunct to a fire insurance company.

But three centuries ago, the London Fire Department was only 40 years old too. Everybody has to have a beginning.

Several of the city’s original volunteer firefighters will serve as grand marshals of the city’s July 4th parade Tuesday.

Peachtree City’s volunteers keep a sort of timeline history, updated for this anniversary or that. Here are excerpts from it, the highlights of a proud history.

1966

The Peachtree City Fire Department (PCFD) is founded by Myron D. "Brother” Leach, who was elected chief by membership and served without pay for eight years, along with the other volunteers. About 1974, Brother Leach became the first salaried member of the department, and he was the city’s first retired employee in 1983. He died in 1996.

Original members still living include: Tommy Broderick, Melvin Brown, Chip Conner, Jim Fulton Jr., A.N. Hogg, Ralph Jones, Tommy Matthews Wendell Waggoner and Jack Walls. Those deceased include: Jim Baggarly, Sam Bass, Chuck Cargile, Arnold Cheek, Howell Glass and Wally Thompson.

A 1949 “Homebuilt” Chevrolet pumper (500 gallons per minute and a 500 gallon capacity) was purchased used for $4,200. A cherished memento, it will be displayed in this year’s parade.

The department was housed in an extra bay added to the Gulf station on Ga. Highway 54, which is now known as Pitts Chevron. State Fire Academy instructor Robert Hammond, Forest Park Fire Department, trained Peachtree City volunteers weekly.

Emergency calls were taken by Louise Leach in her home on Georgia Hwy. 54 North; volunteers were dispatched by telephone. The first fire station was built on Georgia Hwy.74 South on land donated by developer.

1967

Fayette County acquired a license for low-band radio frequency designated for Civil Defense, from which was developed the county-wide fire and rescue service. Fire protection for the entire county was provided by the Peachtree City and Fayetteville fire departments.

1968

A Ford/American LaFrance fire engine (750 gallons per minute and 750 gallons storage) was purchased for $32,000.

1972

The fire station was enlarged by addition of one bay. Dispatch now via 2-way radios and telephone. Advanced first aid courses were provided by Civil Defense.

1973

A door-to-door campaign raised money for a Ford van which became Peachtree City’s first ambulance.

The United States Congress passed the Emergency Medical Systems Act, setting standards for emergency care and equipment, and funding the purchase of equipment. A grant was applied for by Fayette County for modular ambulances.

Fayette County’s first class of EMTs began training at Clayton County Fire Department.

The first two modular ambulances were delivered to the county, positioned in the Fayetteville and Peachtree City fire stations. Medical director was Henry C. Drake, M.D., now deceased.

1976

Purchase of Ford mini-pumper (15 gallons per minute, 300 gallons storage) for use as a quick response or brush-fire truck.

John Weber becomes the first advanced EMT (now called paramedic) in Fayette County. Weber also serves as chaplain for both fire and police departments, a service he still provides today.

1977 to present

The purchase of modern rolling stock continues as the fire department expands its coverage and equipment becomes obsolete for modern needs. In addition to pumpers and tankers, a heavy rescue truck, ladder trucks, and new ambulances were added to fleet which has expanded to four stations strategically located around the city: the first on Georgia Hwy. 74 south at Paschall Road, the rest at Peachtree Parkway north, Peachtree Parkway south, and Hwy. 74 north at Crabapple Lane.

1983

Appointment of Chief Gerald Reed upon retirement of Chief Leach.

The city was awarded a Class 5 fire protection insurance rating.

1985

Organization of Hazardous Materials Team.

1986

Enhanced 911 puts callers’ address on screen at dispatch center.

1987

Peachtree City established own EMS, Lt. Frank Murphy director. Water Rescue team organized.

1988

Formation of Explorer Post 209 affiliated with fire department.

2000

Chief Gerald Reed died Dec. 9, 2000 of complications from a long battle with cancer. Station 1, which was renamed Leach Station, was entirely rebuilt in 2000.

Present

Approximately 50 volunteers and 50 salaried personnel now comprise the Peachtree City Fire Department, headed by the city’s third fire chief, Stony Lohr. Ed Eiswerth is assistant chief for fire services and Lt. Peki Prince (EMS director).

There are 15 women who are certified fire/medics, about half volunteer and half paid staff. A substantial number of rookies are also derived from Explorer Post 209.

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