4 x 4 Pickup Truck & New Rescue Boat Photo By: Stuart W. Mumford

During 1972, new Aluminum Siding was installed on the Old School House section of the Fire Station.

Maybe it was Spring Fever, but the month of June 1973 was a very active month for the company. During this month motions were made and passed to purchase a new Rescue Boat to be used for water rescue. A new 4 x 4 pickup to be rigged with a 250 gallon tank to light field and woods fires, and a tractor & trailer tank truck that would be capable of hauling approximately 8,000 gallons of water. The company, having no fire hydrants with-in the fire district, was in need of a large tanker. A committee was formed to consider building a new addition on the building.

8,000 Gallon Tanker Truck Photo By: Stuart W. Mumford

The new addition, 30' x 80' was completed July 1974. With this addition the engine bays were now 128' long.

July 18, 1973 would be a tragic day in the history of the Company. Although we had experience tragedy before with the sudden accidental deaths of firemen Robert W. Wimbrow 1961, Ted K. Wilkerson 1965 and Bruce A. McCabe 1972. This July morning Fireman Jeffery C. Grise was asphyxiated in a fire at his parent's home. Grise had been a member of the Fire Company for two weeks.

The first public celebration of the company was held October 6, 1974, this being an open house for the public to see the new addition and celebrate the same with the members. The company was now 15 years old.

International Van donated by Mr. vollie Lynch which was made into the first Light Truck Photo By: Townsend's Photography

Mr. Vollie Lynch donated a International Van to the fire company in January 1975. This would be made into the first Light Truck.

In July, the State Highway Department installed the traffic control signals in front of the Fire House.

On July 16 it was decided to purchase a 1971 GMC Diesel Tractor to pull the tank trailer since the old tractor blew up on the way to the Lighthouse Diner Fire, in Fenwick Island.

November 5, 1975 would go down in the history of Roxana Volunteer Fire Company as a date to remember. On this date, the first female members would be admitted to the Company. They were Linda Flood, Marie Quillen, and Arlene Johnson.

Marie Quillen is still an active fire fighter and also a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. She is the only person in the company belonging to both departments.

November 1977 new construction was started on the station for a 60' x 100' addition

In August 1976, Hurrican Belle swept up the Eastern Shore of Delaware. Approximately 300 people were evacuated from the beach area and sheltered in the Fire Station.

In November, a contract was signed with Melvin Blades Construction Company to build a 60' x 100' addition to the building which included a 20' x 60' kitchen and a 60' x 70' dining hall. This is where the Ladies Auxiliary now serve their famous fried chicken dinners. The hall is also used for dances, bazaars, wedding receptions, county meetings, etc.