ABOUT US
CHIEF ROBERT T. SIMMONS
Welcome
Since our founding in 1947 as the Botetourt Volunteer Fire Company #1, we have proudly served the residents of Fincastle and greater Botetourt County with dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to community. For over 77 years, our department has been built on the spirit of volunteerism, with generations of firefighters answering the call—day or night—to protect life and property in times of need.
As Chief, I am honored to lead this outstanding group of volunteers who train tirelessly, respond selflessly, and uphold the long-standing traditions of service that define our department. We take great pride not only in our emergency response capabilities but also in our efforts to engage with the community through fire prevention education, safety outreach, and public events.
This website is intended to serve as a resource for you—whether you are interested in joining our team, or simply want to stay informed about what’s happening at the department. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or if we can be of assistance.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can keep Botetourt County and Fincastle safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Chief Robert T. Simmons
Our History
Founded as the Botetourt Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in October 1947, the Fincastle Fire Department has proudly served Botetourt County, Virginia,
on an all-volunteer basis for over 77 years. The department traces its humble beginnings to the garage of its first fire chief, M.L. “Buster” Cronise, who played a pivotal role in organizing local citizens to protect their community. Just one year later, in 1948, the department constructed its first dedicated firehouse on Main Street in downtown Fincastle—a modest but functional building that served as the department’s home and operations center for over three decades. Over time, as the community grew and the demand for emergency services increased, the need for a larger, more modern facility became evident. In 1984, the current fire station was completed, providing upgraded space for apparatus, equipment, and training, while allowing the department to expand its capabilities. Throughout its history, the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department has responded to countless emergencies, from house fires and vehicle accidents to natural disasters and medical calls, always answering the call with courage and commitment. The department has also played a vital role in community engagement and fire prevention education, participating in local events and offering safety programs for residents. Though much has changed in terms of technology and equipment since 1947, the unwavering dedication and sense of duty of the men and women who serve remain the same—driven by a deep-rooted commitment to protect and serve their neighbors in times of need.
Our Mission: “To Protect the Citizens of Botetourt County”
2024 BY THE NUMBERS
Emergency Responses
399
Calls Covered
100%
Taxpayer Dollars Saved
$1M+
RESPONSE SUMMARY
annual report
Serving You, Every Day — 2024 in Review
In 2024, the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department responded to 399 emergency calls, providing critical services around the clock — and all on a 100% volunteer basis. Our dedicated team handled everything from structure fires and vehicle accidents to medical emergencies and hazardous conditions.
Quick Stats:
- Average of 1.1 incidents per day, with 3 volunteers per call.
- Our average response time: just 3 minutes and 19 seconds.
- Volunteers put in over 1,200 hours on calls and over 1,100 hours in training, with the department gaining four newly certified firefighters.
- Total volunteer hours: 30,186 — over 10 full-time career equivalents.
Volunteers = Huge Savings
By operating as an all-volunteer department, we estimate that we saved Botetourt County citizens over $1 million dollars in 2024.
We Answered Every Call
From fires (11%), rescue/EMS (40%), and hazardous conditions (11%), to false alarms and good intent calls, we showed up every single time – 24/7/365.
Our commitment?
A 100% response rate — unmatched in Botetourt County.
