Round Hill - The Beginning

Round Hill, Virginia, is located in the western part of Loudoun County along Route 7. It is unknown 'exactly' when Round Hill was named. But in 1757, a survey was ordered to establish the most viable road route from Leesburg west to Winchester. It was decided that the eastern part of this route should stay to the south of "the round hill". The hill is a 910-foot high "hummock" - a term recognized in the late 1700's meaning a small but steep, irregular hill rising above the general level of the surrounding land - that is approximately two miles southwest of town. Later this same year, the county of Loudoun was formed and named after John Campbell, the fourth earl of Loudoun and Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the latter part of the French and Indian war.

This "hill" itself has a vast history as well. Prior to 1722, the hill's peak was used as an Indian campground that fell along a migration route. After the Indians were refused passage east of the Blue Ridge due to the Treaty of Albany, it became farm land. Then, during the Civil War it was used as a signals post and campground for both the Confederate and Union troops. Finally, at the end of the Civil War, the land converted back to farm land as it is today.

Once it was established, the town of Round Hill began as a working community serving the needs of tourists who escaped the summer heat of Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas. Until 1896, the town was at the end of the train line from the city. But then it was extended to Bluemont.

Early 1900's

In early February of 1900, Round Hill was incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly. At this time Round Hill consisted of approximately ten streets that were lit by coal lamps. The first town council met in the store that was owned by the first Mayor of Round Hill, which also housed the Post Office.

The earliest mention of fire protection in Round Hill was discovered in the Town Council Meeting minutes' from 1903. It was proposed that two ladders be purchased, one 16 feet and one 32 feet in length. These ladders were constructed by a local blacksmith named J. K. Reynolds, and were used by the towns people. Neighbors would help neighbors by responding to the clanging of a large iron bell housed in a shed next to the old Charles Ford's Grocery Store.

Plans to organize firefighting efforts didn't begin until November 1915, when the Town Council appointed the first and second fire chief's who were instructed to organize a volunteer fire company as soon as possible. That same year the council authorized the purchase of a hand-pulled fire hose cart, or wagon, with several lengths of hose. And the following year, it was reported that the purchase of a telephone pole was needed to hang the iron fire bell. The pole and bell were erected on the corner of 2 East Loudoun Street just off Main Street. When the fire bell clanged, concerned citizens would answer the call using the newly purchased fire hose cart and lengths of hose connected to fire hydrants within the town.

In 1925 the first firehouse was constructed between the Ford's store and the bank building on Main Street. Mr. C. J. Ford offered a spot for this construction that would adjoin his warehouse. It is believed that this structure was a simple "fire shed" used to house the equipment consisting of two hose reels, 750 feet of fire hose, ladders on trucks, axes, and the hand-pulled hose cart.

The Round Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (RHVFRD) was finally organized in 1938, and was moved to the old Lynch Livery table located on 4 Main Street where they still reside today. The move to the new location came along with the authorization for the purchase of a fire siren to replace the old iron bell. The RHVFRD continued to use the "… two-wheel cart that they pulled around on the back of Mr. Clay Hall's old car." (quote by Elizabeth "Liz" Broy Simpson, wife of Joe Simpson one of the original firefighters, and resident since 1945). By 1939, a local resident donated a 1934 Ford truck that was onverted by the department to include a water tank and pump. This was the RHVFRD's first fire truck and was affectionately labeled as "Old Henry."

Middle 1900's

As the town grew, so did the RHVFRD and the need for more equipment and trucks. The first fire truck that was "purchased" by the town was a 1946 Chevrolet. However, this truck has a tragic history. In February 1962, when responding to a fire call, the truck overturned on Route 719 killing Bob McDaniel, the only RHVFRD volunteer firefighter killed in action. The wrecked truck was then replaced with a former Civil Defense unit, a 1942 Dodge.

In 1948 the RHVFRD received its charter of incorporation, and in October the livery stable and lot where they were housed was deeded to the department. The stable was then demolished and a cinder block construction was erected with two vehicle bays that still exist today. Along with the new building, the RHVFRD purchased a new 1948 Chevrolet truck that was installed with modern equipment. Fire trucks were not the only vehicles procured by the RHVFRD. In 1949 they received a Cadillac ambulance through the owner of the Gulf gas station in Round Hill. This ambulance was the first to be operated in Loudoun County. However, the RHVFRD did not have an organized rescue squad until 1961.

By the 1950's, the RHVFRD had been mostly funded, if not completely funded, by the county. To supplement some of the expenses, a ladies auxiliary was organized. Their main support of the RHVFRD was by accompanying the squads on difficult calls supplying coffee and sandwiches. To assist in funding the group they spent many hours conducting bake, flower and rummage sales, suppers and brunches, and even game nights. This became a major source of funding.

Within the 1950's the RHVFRD procured several other vehicles. The American Fire Apparatus Company of Battle Creek Michigan built a 1952 Ford fire truck for Round Hill that contained a front-mount pump, a booster reel, and three hard suction hoses for drafting water. And the Loudoun Hospital assisted the RHVFRD in procuring another Cadillac ambulance in 1957. It was eventually used by the newly organized rescue squad, known as "Rescue 49", when they were established in 1961, and in their first year of operation responded to 67 calls.

The next larger and better equipped fire truck was purchased in 1963. It was a Ford, and equipped with a 750 gallon-per-minute pump and held 500 gallons of water. Following that, in 1964, another used Cadillac ambulance was purchased from a Hearse and Ambulance Exchange company. Then in 1969 the RHVFRD returned to the American Fire Apparatus Company to request a new tanker construction. The members purchased a new 1969 International Loadstar cab and chassis to be used for the tanker body. This tanker truck was capable of carrying 1,500 gallons of water.

Late 1900's

In 1973, the RHVFRD purchased the hardware store next door to the fire station. Over the years the department has rented parts of this building as a convenience store, town office, and the second floor was used by the Thompson Masonic Lodge for a time. Even the Sheriff's department used the upstairs temporarily before they moved to the second floor of the old Ford's store. Then in 1980, the fire department requested the construction of a larger fire station. The building was then renovated to its existing structure, and boasted the only elevator in Round Hill. During the 1970's a study was published that determined that lime-green vehicles were more visible

to the public and safer when responding to an emergency. As a result, Round Hill received a 1979 Chevrolet ambulance built by the Swab Wagon Company in Pennsylvania, and was painted lime-green and white.

Over the years the RHVFRD has been able to equip and maintain the fire station without the help of the county. Contributions from the townspeople and residents of the area were solicited to help with funding. Until 1998, the RHVFRD was an all volunteer organization. However, with the increased urbanization of the area, it was necessary to establish a group of paid personnel that was furnished by the county.

RHVFRD Today

The RHVFRD of today has come a long way. The fireside is currently equipped with a brush truck that allows them to respond to fires on the Appalachian Trail and the many farms and fields that can be difficult to traverse. The rescue side consists of 1 ambulance (check out our Apparatus page for more information). Our service area has also expanded to about 55 square miles, from Hillsboro south to Bluefield, and from Franklin Park west to Bluemont.

And with today's technology, long gone are the days of the clanging iron bell or the wailing of the emergency siren. RHVFRD staff and volunteers are now informed of situations through the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center via electronic devices such as cell phones or tablets, allowing them to respond more quickly to meet the needs of the community.

After the RHVFRD turned to the county in 1998 to staff the firehouse with a small contingent of full-time paid firefighters and EMTs, it is often the Volunteers who are the first to respond to calls for rescue services during the night. These Volunteers supplement the career staff when additional members are needed, and are critical to supporting the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue services.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become part of this great community of life saving individuals, check out our Join page.

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