The Sidney/Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, located on SR 13, will celebrate 100 years of service with an open house and ice cream social on Saturday, June 27.

“We invite the public to come and celebrate our centennial and to support this local volunteer fire department,” says Don Ellison, a senior fire fighter with the department. “Volunteers are always needed. Applications are available.”

The fire department was founded in 1915. It started with the purchase of a hand-drawn, two-wheeled cart with two soda acid chemical tanks that held 300 gallons. The cart cost $600.

Charles Stoneburner, the first fire chief at the Sidney/Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, managed a half dozen volunteers. The department would grow over the years. In 1926, the department purchased a Ford chassis and mounted three chemical tanks and a 300-foot hose and reel to it. The department purchased a brand new Reo fire truck in 1932; in 1945 it upgraded to a Studebaker truck.

The department added volunteer medical first responders to the department in 1993. These volunteers assist ambulance crews and often arrive before the ambulance. The department now has 12 members, eight of them first responders.

The celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Big Boss Barbeque will provide a meal, and ice cream will be available. Carryout ice cream will also be available. Donations will be accepted for the food.

Additionally, the fire department will be hosting a car/truck/motorcycle show following the open house. Registration starts 3 p.m., and awards will be presented at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Hoosier Burn Camp.

For more information call Nathan Terrill, (260) 578-1850, or Jon Engelhaupt, (260) 578-4097.