In the 1940s, the City of Alcoa established a fire hall independent from the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). The City acquired its first fire truck in 1942, an open-cab 1940 Ford. The first fire hall, near the intersection of Springbrook Road and Edison Street, was completed in 1944. Initially, there was one paid employee, and the fire department depended upon a volunteer fire department. The fire hall was a popular gathering place for community leaders. In 1944, the City's volunteer fire department was photographed for the City's 25th anniversary, including chief F. L. Baker, captain R. M. Lord, E. C. Crow, Ben L. Houser, Buddy Murrin, M. L. Smith, captain, J. H. Studley, Jr., G. M. Lambdin, Fred Griffitts, R. L. Bluford, and S. H. McPherson. Earl Daffron and chief Clarence Story were later pictured with the department's dalmatian mascot, Bosco, alongside the City's new American LaFrance fire engine purchased in 1967; Story was the City's first full-time fire chief.