The Highview Fire Department was formed in 1939 when a farm truck was converted into a fire engine and housed in a shed near where the present day Highview Hardware stands. In 1946, tragedy struck Highview when its firehouse and fire engine were destroyed by fire during an electrical storm. The department was soon back in business when it occupied the building of the former Highview Improvement Club and purchased a used American LaFrance pumper from New Albany, Indiana.

During the period of 1952 to 1960, Highview added a Ford/Pirsch pumper, a Darley pumper, and a Jeep to its stable. The firehouse saw two renovations to accommodate the ever expanding fleet. During the 1960’s Highview saw continued growth. Station 2 opened on the Outer Loop adjacent to Knobview Center and the department became a fire district.This new source of revenue allowed the purchase of a Ford/Pirsch quad and a Mack C-Series pumper, which was the first diesel powered apparatus in the state of Kentucky.

During the 1970’s Highview saw a period of modernization. A Mack CF Series pumper and a Ford/Boyer pumper were added to the fleet. Station 3 opened on Cedar Creek Road. The old Station 1 was torn down and a new Headquarters building was dedicated. At this time, the new facility was among the largest firehouses in the state of Kentucky. During the 1980’s the department saw the advent of the “Jaws of Life.” Apparatus purchases included a Chevy/Pierce 4×4 quick attack/rescue unit, a Dodge 4×4 brush unit, and a Seagrave pumper, which was the first fully enclosed cab apparatus in Jefferson County. At this time, the new Jefferson (Gene Synder) Freeway was being constructed and the Smyrna Road area was seeing considerable development. The old Station 2 was vacated and a new facility was constructed. Towards the end of the 1980’s, with daytime manpower dwindling, Highview hired its first employees to serve the district’s administrative and maintenance needs. Two new Ford F-350 4×4 brush units were purchased and the department celebrated its 50-year anniversary.

The 1990’s saw a period of sadness and progression. In 1994 and 1996, two Highview firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. Sergeant Craig Drury died from injuries suffered while fighting an arson fire and Firefighter Don Manuel died from a heart attack suffered at a fire scene. Seagrave fire apparatus delivered during this decade included a Squrt, a 100-foot ladder truck, two pumpers, and a heavy-duty rescue-pumper. Additional full-time personnel were hired, including the department’s first paid Chief. State of the art equipment, including Automatic External Defibrillators and Thermal Imaging Cameras added new dimensions to the fire department.

As we enter the new millennium, our citizens can be certain that the Highview Fire District will continue to evolve in order to provide the highest level of service possible to its community.