The first meeting, with the Alabama Forestry Commission, about forming a volunteer fire department was held in early 1982 at the branch bank at Sand Rock. Jimmy Morgan, Jerry Kirby, and Wayne Cochran were among the first leaders.  When members first started in 1982, they were required to pay a $10.00 fee per year to buy gas for trucks.  This rule was removed sometime around 1995.

The Civil Defense donated a 1967 Jeep 1¼ -ton truck for the department’s first fire truck. This truck is still in service today as a heavy-duty truck. It originally had an 800-gallon tank and a PTO pump. It was stored in Irvin “Chig” Oliver’s barn while the original fire station was built by department members and members of the community.

Jack Poole was elected the first Fire Chief, serving from 1982-1983. He was succeeded by Chief Irvin “Chig” Oliver who served from 1983-1990.

In 1983, the department purchased a 1974 Ford E-One mini-pumper 250-gallon tank.

In 1986, the department purchased a 1962 Chevy pumper, which carried 1000 gallons of water (750 gal. min pump).

In 1991, the department replaced the Ford mini-pumper with a 1967 Mack 1250 pgm pump / 600 gallon tank. Billy Lumsden took over as Chief in 1990 and served until 2007.

In 1996, the department built a new vour-bay building on land leased from the Town of Sand Rock. The department received a loaner Dodge brush truck from AL Forestry dept. for a second brush truck. It was used until 2006.

In 1998, the old 1962 Chevy was replaced by a 1986 Chevy pumper with 1000 gpm pump and 1000 gallon tank. It was much more reliable and safer to operate.

In 2002, the 1967 Mack had an engine failure. It was going to cost more to replace the engine than the truck was worth. So after many months of looking, the department purchased a 1982 Hahn pumper with a 1250 gamp pump and 600 gallon tank, and is still in service today.

In 2004, the ISO rating changed from 9 to 6/9.

In 2006, the loaner truck was returned to AL Forestry, and the department purchased a new 4-door Chevy 1-ton for a quick responder truck with 300 gal. tank and 375 gpm pump skid unit with a foam induction system for flammable fluids fires. The town and many other people made donations to purchase this truck. It goes to every emergency call and carries medical equipment, AED, first aid supplies.

In 2007, Billy Lumsden stepped down as Chief after many years of service. John Green assumed the Chief position from January 2007 until October 2008. He then moved out of the area and left our department after many years of service.

In November 2008, Steve Oliver assumed the office of Chief, and is currently serving in that position. Also, in 2008, the 1986 Chevy pumper was replaced by a 1994 Freightliner 4-door “Pierce” pumper 1250 gpm pump, 1000 gallon tank.

In 2009, the department won the 1^st Annual Cherokee County Firefighter competition.

Currently, we have 2 Class-A pumpers, 1 quick response vehicle, and 2 brush trucks.

The Sand Rock Volunteer Fire Department is grateful to the community and the Town Council for its faithful support. The department would have never been as successful if not for the council and countless individuals who supported us with their time, fundraisers and generous donations.