HISTORY
The History of Benton Fire District #4
The story of Benton Fire District #4 is one of dedication, growth, and service to the community. What began as a grassroots effort by concerned citizens has evolved into a full-fledged fire district committed to protecting the Town of Benton and its surrounding areas.
Humble Beginnings: The 1950s
In the early 1950s, fire protection in Benton relied on the determination of local citizens. Equipped with a pump and tank mounted on a trailer, the first firefighter to arrive at the station would pull the trailer to the fire. This humble yet effective system reflected the community's commitment to safety.
On October 12, 1953, the Town of Benton formally organized the Benton Volunteer Fire Department, which served the area with dedication for more than three decades.
Transition to a Fire District: The 1980s
The establishment of Benton Fire District #4 marked a significant milestone in the community's fire protection history. On November 10, 1987, the Bossier Parish Police Jury created the fire district through Ordinance No. 2096 of 1987. The first 10-mil Maintenance and Operations tax, passed in April 1988, provided critical funding for the district.
On January 1, 1989, Benton Fire District #4 officially took over fire protection for the Town of Benton. At the time, the district consisted of one paid daytime firefighter and a dedicated group of volunteers. Later that year, a $1.5 million bond issue enabled the construction of five new two-bay fire stations and the purchase of nine new engines.
Growth and Modernization: The 1990s
The 1990s brought significant advancements for Benton Fire District #4. In May 1997, voters renewed the 10-mil Maintenance and Operations tax, ensuring continued support for the district's operations.
In July 1998, an additional 10-mil tax was approved, paving the way for substantial improvements. These included the hiring of a full-time Fire Chief and firefighters, as well as the acquisition of a ladder truck and rescue unit, greatly enhancing the district's capabilities.
Expanding Services: 2010s
The 2010s marked a new era of growth for the fire district. In 2011, Benton Fire District #4 opened Station #2, introducing three 24-hour shifts. This expansion brought the full-time force to:
Station #1: One captain and three firefighters
Station #2: One captain and one firefighter
On October 2, 2015, the district reached another milestone by hiring seven additional firefighters and promoting three captains to open Station #3 on Swan Lake Road.
A Legacy of Service
From its modest beginnings with a trailer-mounted pump to a modern fire district operating across six stations, Benton Fire District #4 has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its growing community. With a foundation built on hard work, dedication, and community support, the district remains committed to protecting lives and property while honoring its rich history.
Chief J.T. Wallace Jr.
Chief J.T. Wallace Jr. has accumulated over 50 years of dedicated service to Bossier Parish. Chief Wallace retired as Fire Chief of Bossier City Fire Department in 1999 and has since served as the Fire Chief of Benton Fire District #4. For the past 25 years, Chief Wallace has been a beacon of knowledge and leadership within our organization.
Chief Wallace is more than just our boss; he is a mentor, coach, confidant, and father figure to many. His impact on the greater Bossier City area is immeasurable, and we are profoundly grateful for his unwavering commitment. We extend our deepest gratitude to Chief Wallace for his exceptional service over the past five decades. Every day that he continues to serve is a gift to us all.