Department History
The Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department, located in north central South Carolina in Kershaw County, was established in 1974 as the first fire station in the rural fire service. The first engine was a 1974 Ford with a front-mounted 500 GPM pump and 500 gallon water tank (picture below). While waiting on the engine to arrive, we used a 50's model Chevrolet pickup loaned by former fire marshal Guy Mayer. This truck was equipped with a small tank and gasoline pump. This truck was actually used to fight a structural fire on Three Branches Road where firemen drew water from an open well to keep the tank full. We then placed in service a 1972 GMC tanker that was converted from a fuel oil tanker to carry 1500 gallons of water.
The Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department, located in north central South Carolina in Kershaw County, was established in 1974 as the first fire station in the rural fire service. The first engine was a 1974 Ford with a front-mounted 500 GPM pump and 500 gallon water tank (picture below). While waiting on the engine to arrive, we used a 50's model Chevrolet pickup loaned by former fire marshal Guy Mayer. This truck was equipped with a small tank and gasoline pump. This truck was actually used to fight a structural fire on Three Branches Road where firemen drew water from an open well to keep the tank full. We then placed in service a 1972 GMC tanker that was converted from a fuel oil tanker to carry 1500 gallons of water.
Our department currently operates two fire stations: Station 16 on Pine Grove Road in Lugoff and Station 24 on Lake Road at Lake Wateree.
We have two engines (1601,1602), one brush truck (1606), one rescue (1608), and one TCOM mobile air compressor trailer at Station 16. We have one engine (2401) and one fire/rescue boat (2408) at Station 24 on the lake.
We have two engines (1601,1602), one brush truck (1606), one rescue (1608), and one TCOM mobile air compressor trailer at Station 16. We have one engine (2401) and one fire/rescue boat (2408) at Station 24 on the lake.
The "Old" 1604
-2750 Gallon Water Tank
-500 GPM Pump
-9 Speed Transmission
-Dual 21/2" Rear Fills
-10" Extendable Dump
-2750 Gallon Water Tank
-500 GPM Pump
-9 Speed Transmission
-Dual 21/2" Rear Fills
-10" Extendable Dump
Past Leadership:
Year Chief Asst. Chief
1974-1975 Ralph Ray Sidney Catoe
1975-1991 Sidney Catoe Alex Dowey
1991-1993 Sonny Catoe Keith Ray
1993-1994 Charlie Catoe Dewitt Peake
1994-Present Charlie Catoe Joel Mills
Year Chief Asst. Chief
1974-1975 Ralph Ray Sidney Catoe
1975-1991 Sidney Catoe Alex Dowey
1991-1993 Sonny Catoe Keith Ray
1993-1994 Charlie Catoe Dewitt Peake
1994-Present Charlie Catoe Joel Mills