From meager 2004 beginnings to a fully equipped, fully functioning operation, the Middle Fork Volunteer Fire Department has enjoyed tremendous growth, and is even eyeing potential expansion.

From meager 2004 beginnings to a fully equipped, fully functioning operation, the Middle Fork Volunteer Fire Department has enjoyed tremendous growth, and is even eyeing potential expansion.

“The members are real proud of how the department has grown,” Middle Fork fire chief Neil Gibson said. “It has been because of hard work and the support of the community. If you don’t have support from the community you don’t have anything.”
In December, a group of interested community leaders met at Middle Fork Elementary to discuss with local and state officials options and requirements for locating a fire department in the area.

In January of 2004, property from Parker Allen near the Highway 1090-Route 30 intersection was purchased and with a truck supplied by District III Fire Department, Middle Fork Fire Department was born.

Randy Clayton served as the department’s first chief before turning the reigns over to Brian Baldwin. Gibson has served as chief for the past two years and says he plans to continue in the position.
“I enjoy it,” he said. Gibson added that a love of community and a willingness to help people is why he and other department members volunteer their time, effort, and knowledge.
After starting with the District III donated truck, a one-bay station house, and the capability of carrying 700 gallons of water, the department now boasts four trucks, four-bay housing, and a 6,300 gallon water transporting capacity.
Middle Fork is made up of 12 state certified fire fighters and 32 total members, including assistant chiefs Scott Castle and Joe Binkowski, sergeant Wayne Allen, lieutenants Tony Patrick and Anthony Lynch, treasurer Shelly Swiger, Chaplin and secretary Billy Don Patton, and safety officer Paul Bussey.
Chief Gibson said the department had added five new members within the last two weeks.

The department’s board of directors includes Marvin Ray Adams, Charles Marshall, Chester Howard, Billy Don Patton, and Paul Bussey.

Middle Fork’s department covers Bear Branch, Stinson Creek, and areas along and near Route 30.
Recently, Middle Fork located two 2,500 gallon water holding tanks in the far Middle Fork area to boost fire fighting capabilities there.
“There aren’t any hydrants in that area so that should help out,” Gibson said. “We’re also hoping to put an extra building and leave a truck over there.”
Gibson is quick to point out those who helped in the early process, and those who have continued supporting the efforts of the Middle Fork boys.
Salyersville Fire Department chief Paul Howard provided organizational support, and Gibson extended a thank you to Kentucky Senator Robert Stivers, Department for Rural Development, Magoffin County Judge-Executive Charles Hardin, MD, fiscal court members, District III department members, and supportive community members.
Middle Fork’s fire house also serves as more than home to the department. Gibson said the building served as a community center of sorts, holding showers, birthday parties, youth scouts meetings, and other community-related meetings.
“It’s available to the community for a lo9t of different activities. Just give us a call and we’ll try to set it up,” Gibson said.
This article is the first in a series of features of Magoffin Co. Fire Departments and Rescue Squad