Fire Department

Mission Statement  

The Benton Fire Department is committed to providing the City of Benton and its visitors with superior customer service and emergency response to any situation that threatens life, safety and well-being of person and property. This commitment is accomplished through fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescues and fire prevention/education.

It is our priority to provide the best customer service with compassion, professionalism, honesty and integrity to all the citizens and visitors to the City of Benton. Our firefighters may risk their lives to save a life and put themselves at serious risk to save property.

Vision Statement  

The Benton Fire Department's goal is to provide an excellent service to the growing population and commerce within the City of Benton through education, training and an exceptional work ethic. These goals must be met by being an adaptive and proactive department as the needs of our customers both increase and change.

Brief History 

On Sunday morning September 17, 1916, there was a major fire in downtown Benton which totally destroyed what was known as the H.S. Glenn stores and damaged adjacent property housing a laundry, Bennett’s Grocery and  Mays 99 Furnishings. All were located on what is the present day South Market Street.  Although the fire brigade was credited with protecting other properties from the conflagration, it was recognized that the brigade was in need of organization, training and equipment. What was given more credit than the fire brigade at stopping the fire was the newly functioning municipal water system which provided the struggling fire brigade with ample water.

During this period of time it was known the mayor and council had been in discussion about an organized fire department, but had not acted due to a lack of funding. So on Tuesday, September 25, 1916 an organizational meeting was held and Bob Ashby was appointed Fire Chief.  A fund drive began with the Benton Hardware company donating the first $50.00 for the newly formed Fire Department.

So was born the Benton Fire Department.