About the SVFD
In the 1970s and 1980s, Seymour was primarily made up of family farms with no businesses or schools. As times have changed, so has our community. The family farms have turned into subdivisions and in order to accommodate this population explosion, the main access to our community, a 4-lane, undivided, state highway has been recently widened in sections allowing faster travel speeds (50mph on average), more traffic volume and ultimately, more shopping districts between Knoxville and Seymour. Seymour has grown from no stoplights in 1980 to the present number of 8. People are retreating to Seymour because of low taxes (unincorporated area) and the availability of land/houses.
The department serves over 18,600 homes (40,794 people), 400 business, 70 churches, 2 private schools, 8 public schools and Johnson University (with 400+ on-campus residents). Our Fire District is spread across three Tennessee counties, Blount, Knox, and Sevier with a total response area of approximately 118.6 square miles.
Celebrating 50 years
As we reflect on 50 years of serving Seymour we remember those volunteers that have made it all possible. Retired and active members, if you have photos from your experience with SVFD, we would love to see them and even share some on Facebook. 🙂
History
Dedicated to a better, safer community.
In 1971 several business owners in the small community of Seymour decided they needed fire protection for their homes and business. Up until this time, there was no fire protection between Knoxville and Sevierville. These business owners formed the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department and purchased a new Boardman Class A fire Engine. In the first year, twelve firefighters responded to 24 calls for service and their sole engine was stored outside in a vacant lot at the corner of Chapman Highway and Old Sevierville Pike.
Growth
By 1981 the department had grown to thirty-five members and had purchased a 4-wheel drive mini-pumper and three tankers. Station One (headquarters) was completed as the department call volume grew to 250 calls per year.
In 1991, the department had added two additional stations and purchased three additional engines with a yearly call volume topping 800 calls for service.
In 2021 we will be celebrating 50 years. We have six stations, 26 pieces of equipment and we have over 60 volunteers that answered 2,391 calls in 2020.
