ABOUT

In 1980, the small community of New Deroche decided it was time to have their own Volunteer Fire Department.  A remote area located at the foot of Jack Mountain and halfway between Bismarck and Interstate 30, 7 miles each way.  Bismarck’s Fire Station was the closest at approximately 14 miles and response time was 20 minutes.  The State Firefighter’s Association recommended a station for every 5 mile radius.   The group held their first community meeting, advertised with a homemade flyer, copied and distributed in the surrounding areas.  The meeting was a success with a unanimous vote in favor of establishing the New Deroche Fire Department.

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On August 11, 1980, the New Deroche Volunteer Fire Department's newly elected Board of Directors,  approved and signed a petition to obtain the incorporation of the department as a non-profit organization. The original Board of Directors were:  PRESIDENT - Raymond Crow...VICE PRESIDENT - Benny Hardage...SECRETARY/TREASURER - Arvin Booy..

.BOARD MEMBER - Bill Davis...BOARD MEMBER -Gerald Bunn. 

 

On August 18, 1980, the petition was considered, ordered and adjudged that the incorporation of New Deroche Volunteer Fire Department as a benevolent corporation under the law of the Sate of Arkansas.

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The original Fire Station was housed in the old New Deroche Elementary Building, as shown below, that was consolidated with Bismarck Public School. The building housed the Fire Department, Ambulance Service and Community Center.  Senior Citizens enjoyed lunch, fellowship, birthday celebrations, games, music and much more.  The Center also hosted a Halloween Carnival, parties, elections and more.  The property contained several baseball, softball and T-Ball fields.  During the fall, the Fire Department, Senior Citizens and Bismarck Summer Sports hosted a weekend Bluegrass festival, with visitors and participants from several states.

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In deteriorating state, it was decided to tear down the old building and build a new facility.  A 60 X 60 foot metal building was constructed that included a three bay fire department, office and community/training room.  The Community Center was finished with gracious donations from the community members, grants, fundraisers and events.  (See our donor list). 

 

In 2017, the community celebrated open house to enjoy their new Community Center that joins the Fire Department.  Several months later, newly elected, Judge Dennis Thornton formed a grant writing committee and submitted a Fun Park Grant.  This grant provided a playground, pavilion and picnic tables and grills.  This has been a great asset to our small community and with the existing Bismarck Summer Sports ball fields, this has become the favorite gathering spot for recreation, cook-outs, reunions, parties, training and fellowship in our community.

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