About Us
Our Fire Department
BOARD MEMBERS
President - Danny Cleek
Secretary - Kristi Jones
Treasurer - Eddie Williams
Josh Burke
Drew Carr
Andy Cleek
Danny Cleek
Richard Crawford
Bobby Jones
Robert Martin
Roy Maxwell
Travis Vaughn
Greg Wilson
OFFICERS
Chief - Drew Deakins
Deputy Chief - Greg Wilson
Assistant Chief - Richard Crawford
Captain - Roy Maxwell
Captain - Andy Cleek
Lieutenant - Drew Carr
Lieutenant - Travis Vaughn
Cadet Coordinators - Drew Carr/Christian Deakins/Alex O’Keeve
DEMOGRAPHICS
The Sullivan West Volunteer Fire Department is a fire, rescue and medical first response organization located in Sullivan Gardens just outside of Kingsport, Tennessee. We are a member of the Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman's Association, Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) and proudly support our local high school’s Pulaski Club.
Members - 40
Service Area - 41 square miles
Calls Received - 800-850
ISO Rating - 5
Fire Department ID - 82111
Annual water usage - 507,000 g.
Feet of hose on-hand - 6,900 ft.
Cats removed from trees in 2023 - 0
OUR PATCH
Yosemite Sam has served as the department's mascot since the department opened, when one of its members took it upon himself to paint the Looney Tunes character on the side of a truck and later on the department's sign. The opinions of the paintings were mixed, however both were left and remained for years. The truck was eventually sold and sign taken down, but the paintings didn't escape the memory of the those who'd grown up around the station. Years later, in 1992, members saw to it that "Sam" returned when they redesigned the department's patch.
Yosemite Sam is painted on the side of the door.
The original version of the patch featured the character in a red helmet with yellow gear. His outfits have changed over time to reflect the changes in gear style and color trends.
HISTORY
In 1974, in response to a need for adequate, non-subscription, fire protection services, the community banned together to begin the establishment of its own fire department. The doors officially opened on September 8, 1975. (1975 Fund Raising Letter)
Before this time, the community was protected by a subscription fire service, which meant only those who could afford the service had fire protection. In the beginning, the department operated from an old service station just off highway 93, but soon built a more adequate building next to Sullivan Elementary and the Sullivan West High School, on Rosemont Street, where it is located today.