MISSION & HISTORY
OUR MISSION
to aggressively solve fire, rescue, and emergency medical problems with compassion and competence.
Every call, training exercise, inspection, and community program is guided by a commitment to protecting lives, property, and the well-being of the Shelbyville community.
MISSION & HISTORY
OUR CORE VALUES
DUTY.
Duty is the unwavering commitment to serve the community, protect lives and property, and perform every responsibility with diligence and professionalism– regardless of personal risk or sacrifice. It means maintaining readiness, responding when called, and carrying out each role to the highest standard possible.
Respect.
Respect means treating the public, fellow firefighters, and partner agencies with dignity, fairness, and empathy. It includes honoring the chain of command, valuing teamwork, and fostering an environment built on trust and accountability.
Integrity.
Integrity means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. It reflects honesty, accountability, and ethical decision-making in every aspect of service, helping build trust both within the department and throughout the community.
MISSION & HISTORY
HISTORY OF SHELBYVILLE FIRE & RESCUE
The roots of the Shelbyville Fire Department date back to 1818...
…when community leaders first discussed purchasing a fire engine to better protect the growing town. After widespread public support and approval from local trustees, efforts began to establish Shelbyville’s first organized fire company.
In 1819, the “Relief Fire Company” was formed, made up of local citizens committed to protecting the community from fire emergencies. The department organized designated roles, scheduled regular training exercises, and established procedures that laid the groundwork for organized fire response in Shelbyville.
After an initial unsuccessful trip to purchase equipment, a fire engine was eventually secured from Philadelphia and transported to Shelbyville by river and wagon. The horse-drawn engine, considered state-of-the-art for its time, became the centerpiece of the city’s early fire protection efforts. An engine house was later built to house the new apparatus and support the growing department.
More than 200 years later, Shelbyville Fire & Rescue continues that tradition of service and preparedness.
Today, the department operates from three stations and includes full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel serving the Shelbyville community. The department responds to more than 1,000 calls annually and provides a wide range of services, including fire suppression, rescue response, inspections, fire prevention, training, and public education programs.
Through generations of growth and change, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to protecting the people of Shelbyville with professionalism, compassion, and pride.
volunteer at SHELBYVILLE FIRE & RESCUE
Are you ready to be someone that your community can count on in times of crisis?
