HAMILTON TOWNSHIP - In 1972, the then-fledgling Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department started operations with a 1949 fire truck purchased for $750, and housed it in a building that was constructed by volunteers with used cinder blocks on property donated by Dow Chemical.

Sunday, three members of the original fire department got a close-up look at how their vision back then has become a present-day reality. The department's newest fire truck, named after original fire chief Jesse Holcom, was officially presented to the community. Firefighters also ceremonially burned the mortgage on the present-day fire station.

Hamilton Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Pearson said the new building and new equipment were part of a 15-year plan that was put into effect in 1990 and was achieved two years ahead of schedule, thanks to recent economic growth in the township.

The new

$68,000 building was completed in 1996, paid for by bonds.The new 1996 rural attack pumper truck was added to the fleet in August.

"It has a hydraulic lift, dual foam system that allows use of both Class A and Class B foams to help fight fires, a five-man cab and can pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute,"

Pearson said.

Pearson held a piece of paper to signify the mortgage on the property as two members of the Cub Scout Pack 103, from First United Methodist Church in Ironton, provided a flame from a lighter.

Many of those assembled praised the selflessness not only of the original firefighters who helped organize the department, but those today who come when their neighbors need them.

"Where would we be without this department?" Patterson asked. "Who would we look to to protect lives and property? This is a first-class fire department."

Patterson's praises were seconded by Hamilton Township Trustee Bob Blankenship.

"They risk their lives, volunteer their time, their money and whatever else they have to give for their community," Blankenship said.

Pearson said the ceremony was meant to reflect on the department's humble beginnings, and express appreciation for 31 years of progress.

"We want to honor our past and look toward the future," Pearson said. "In 1972, we couldn't have dreamed of having all this and having it paid for."