New Salem VFD

The New Salem Volunteer Fire Department was established and incorporated in April of 1978 and is located at 18562 FM 839S in Rusk County. The department has a member status of of 12 with 5 active volunteer fire fighters.

The department has 2 brush/grass trucks both of which have Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) and carry 400 gallons of water; one rescue truck with a CAFS system carrying 400 gallons of water in addition to an air bag lifting system and JAWS; a Pierce engine with a 1500 GPM pump and a CAFS system with 1000 gallons of water; and a 3000 gallon water tender. The Department covers a 53 square mile radius and mutual aids with the Carlisle, Laneville, Reklaw, and Mount Enterprise Volunteer Fire Departments.

The department is currently led by Chief Craig Roquemore who has over 15 years on the department is a certified state tested firefighter 2. Assistant Chief Jim Walls has 8 years on the department is working on his firefighter 1 certification; firefighter Bruce Grams has 8 years on the department and is a certified state tested firefighter 2; volunteer Joel Watkins is President of the department with over 15 years experience and is working on his firefighter 1 certification; and volunteers Ray Simmons and J.R. Canaguier are both volunteers working on their firefighter 1 certifications.

The department meets monthly on the last Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Washburn Building in New Salem. They also hold an annual fish fry the 2nd Saturday in December at the Washburn Building that includes an auction of home baked goods.