History of Manvel's Fire Department

In early 1953, Morris Carter's home was destroyed by fire and a large grass fire on the Boff and Scopel property almost set fire to three nearby homes. Shortly thereafter, a group of Manvel citizens decided we needed a fire department because the closest fire department was at Alvin or Pearland. In April, 1953 a department was formed with the from Alvin fire chief Ripley and assistant chief, Benny Martin. Manvel citizens donated freely and a used fire truck was purchased. It was housed in a barn on the Scopel home place. Frank Davis was named first fire chief.

We joined the Brazoria County Firemen's Association in late 1953 and petitioned Brazoria County for a county fire truck. We had to have a fire-proof building to house the truck before we could get one. In 1954 Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Belcher donated one acre of ground for the fire station. The station was started in March, 1954 and completed in time for the new county fire truck in late 1954. It was built by volunteer firemen and lots of outside help and donations. The annual fireman's barbeque was started in the summer of 1953. For years it was our only source of income except small donations now and then. It still is an annual affair. In 1978 Mr. and Mrs. Dick (Anna) Steffens donated one acre of ground on Master St. next to the canal for a second fire station to serve the southern portion of Manvel. The fire station was completed in 1980. The Volunteer Fire Department now has seven pieces of fire fighting equipment, four pieces at Station Number 1 on County Road 1128 and three pieces at Station Number 2 on Master's Street.