Trinity Volunteer Fire Department

The department's first truck survives. KLTV reported in 2025 that the department's museum on South Elm Street holds its 1915 Model T hose wagon, a 1939 pumper and a 1949 pumper. Texas Escapes dates the fire that destroyed Trinity's business district to 1909 and lists others in 1892 and 1915, saying the town rebuilt after each. It adds that Trinity was electrified in 1906 and that after cotton declined in the 1920s Trinity became a timber center that once had thirty sawmills at its peak.

What the plaque says

Trinity Volunteer Fire Department After a devastating fire destroyed much of the downtown Trinity district in 1910, city leaders chartered the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department on February 14, 1914. The twelve founding members elected Jim Wilkinson as chief, Jesse Renfro as assistant chief and E.C. McDonald as secretary. The additional nine members were A.L. Arnold, C.P. Goyen, S.S. Manry, H.S. McKay, O.V. Ramey, S.E. Vann, C.P. Wade, L.F. Waller and H.E. Warner. The department kept equipment in a barn on what is now Highway 19 between East Main Street and Madison Street. In 1915, the department purchased a Ford Model T, allowing them to rapidly respond to emergencies. In the 1920s, the department acquired a Ford Model A chemical truck and REO pumper. To house the new equipment, the department relocated to Railroad Street. Firefighters won second place in two pumper race competitive drill contests. By 1931, Trinity had 19 members and was considered one of the best volunteer fire departments in east Texas. The department retired the REO in 1949 and purchased a Chevrolet pumper. After Chief Wilkinson's death in 1951, others who served as chief included Jesse Renfro, Allen Chamberlin, Bert Smith, Winston Ainsworth, Pete Trow and Coby Smith. Under the leadership of Chief Hayne Huffman in the 1970s, the department made several upgrades, including three new trucks and a new fire station at South Elm Street and Madison Street. From this site, the firefighters responded to a big fire in 1975 that burned half a city block on the west side of Robb Street. The fire was extinguished due to the firefighters' skill and assistance rendered from Huntsville and Crockett Fire Departments. For over 100 years, the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department has faithfully and skillfully served the city. (2023)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Charles Nesbitt "Charlie" Wilson — steps away
• First United Methodist Church of Trinity — steps away
• Waco, Beaumont, Trinity & Sabine Railroad — steps away
• Cedar Grove Cemetery — 0.4 mi