Six years ago, the small community of Talcott received the devastating news that the Greenbrier Valley Rural Fire Department, which had served the community for many years, had to close its doors. However, much like the legendary Phoenix rises from its ashes, the department reformed as Talcott Fire Department. Now, the members are preparing to celebrate five years of operation with the department’s annual pig roast.
After hearing about the closure, the community quickly came together, and efforts began to reopen and rebuild the department in July 2016. Several individuals were instrumental in the rebuilding process. According to the Chief of Talcott Fire Department, Bill Costomiris, Dave Ziegler spearheaded the effort to get the corporation reinstated. Additionally, Ziegler aided in setting up the new board, which consisted of Costomiris, Jim Wiseman and Vickie Armendariz, who were all integral to the efforts. Wiseman served as president of the board from July 2016 until Aug. 2022.
Efforts continued over the months to accomplish everything required to reopen the fire station. Costomiris noted that many individuals put in “untold hours of community service to help renovate the building and bring it up to life safety code.” On Oct. 1, 2016, organizers held the first Talcott Fire Department Pig Roast. The event helped to raise funds for the various expenses necessary to reopen.
A long list of officials on the state and county levels supported the community’s efforts. Some names on the list include the 2016 Summers County Commission, which consisted of Jack David Woodrum, Bill Lightner and Tony Williams. Several representatives were involved, including Steven Baldwin, Roy Cooper, George Ambler, Joe Manchin and others. The list of supporters is seemingly endless.
After beginning with almost nothing, the fire department is now thriving. When Talcott Fire Department opened in 2017, they had three trucks; two pumpers and a rescue. Five years later, they operate with three class A pumpers, a brush truck and a 3,000-gallon pumper-tanker. In addition to the fire trucks, they also have two boats and two drones, one of which includes thermal imaging. The station has 35 certified firefighters.
Costomiris, who has taken on the position of chief since the revitalized department opened, praised the community effort that made the department successful. He said, “The success of the Talcott Fire Department has been a community effort. From the start, it has been a community project.”
Along the same line of thought, Costomiris also stated that the department’s financial stability “greatly improved” thanks to the Summers County Fire Fee and the citizens who continually make the fee possible.
As time goes on, Talcott Fire Department is continuously moving forward. According to Costomiris, the department will continue to improve its capabilities and upgrade equipment and trucks when possible. Currently, the department is forming an auxiliary that will act as a support system for the firefighters. The founding members of the auxiliary are responsible for planning the fifth annual pig roast, scheduled for Oct. 1, 2022, at the John Henry Historical Park. There will be exceptional food, music, games and more.
The auxiliary is looking for more members. Anyone interested in helping the fire department but does not want to become a firefighter will find a home with the auxiliary. They meet at the station on Pat Ball Road every Thursday at 7 p.m. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend a meeting. Everyone is welcome.
With five years of success to celebrate, the entire department hopes the community will join them on Oct. 1 for their pig roast fundraiser. To keep up with Talcott Fire Department, join the organization’s Facebook group of the same name.
