Our History

History of the Snyder Fire Department

The Snyder Fire Department (SFD) has a long and proud history of serving the residents of Snyder and Scurry County. From its humble beginnings in 1911 to its current role as a modern, well-equipped fire service, the department has been a cornerstone of public safety in the region.

Early Years

The Snyder Fire Department was officially organized in 1911 as a combination department, which included both full-time paid firefighters employed by the City of Snyder and volunteer personnel from the Snyder Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD). The initial formation of the department was a response to the growing needs of the community as the town developed, and the fire protection systems became crucial in safeguarding lives and property.

Growth & Development 

Over the decades, the department expanded in size, capability, and resources. The initial volunteer fire department, supported by a few paid firefighters, grew to a professional team capable of handling all types of emergencies.

As Snyder continued to grow, the department focused on improving its capabilities in fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous materials response. In addition, the department began working more closely with neighboring communities and organizations to enhance its ability to respond to larger incidents and disasters.

In recent years, the SFD has invested in state-of-the-art fire trucks, updated equipment, and comprehensive training programs for both paid and volunteer firefighters, while also hiring an Emergency Management Coordinator to enhance the department’s response to disasters and community preparedness. This modernization ensures that the department can respond swiftly and effectively to a wide range of emergencies.

Snyder Fire Department Today

The Snyder Fire Department is now a fully integrated team that combines the efforts of 12 full-time paid personnel and approximately 25 volunteer firefighters. Together, they serve the City of Snyder and all of Scurry County. The department continues to provide exceptional services, including fire suppression, emergency services, rescue operations, and disaster response.

The Snyder Fire Department remains committed to fire prevention, community education, and continuous training to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors to Snyder.