Foscoe VFD: More Than A Tradition of Family, Brotherhood, and Trust

Breda, IA (August 19, 2024) – Those involved in the fire industry understand that firefighting is a brotherhood steeped in tradition - strangers who become friends who become family. Firefighters and emergency personnel are built differently and are driven by a passion to answer a call to serve and protect. Sometimes, that passion runs in the family. Matt Aldridge, Fire Chief of the Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) in Foscoe, NC, is a second-generation firefighter - in fact, Chief Aldridge’s father Frank Aldridge, was the Foscoe VFD Fire Chief prior to him. 

The FVFD has had a longstanding relationship with fire apparatus manufacturer Toyne, Inc. that dates back to 2002. Since then, Toyne has been contracted to build 14 fire apparatus for the Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department. Two apparatus are currently in the works at Toyne’s headquarters in Breda, IA and are on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2025.

Chief Aldridge, a 27-year firefighter veteran with Foscoe, twelve of which he’s been Chief, cited customer service as one of the biggest reasons they continue to do business with Toyne. There is an occasional service call, per Aldridge, further noting that the service team has always been top-notch.

"The reality is, we don't need service very often, but when we do, it is always an excellent experience," said Aldridge. "The way that Toyne supports its dealers and customers is another reason we stick with Toyne." Chief Aldridge and his team are so proud of their Toyne trucks that they have become spokesmen for their selling dealer, Melton Fire Group.

When asked what advice he would give to someone training (or wanting) to become a firefighter, Chief Aldridge responded, “Never stop learning and training, this is the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.” Aldridge attributes his aspiration to become a firefighter to his father. 

The father/son duo still take calls together to this very day. “Dad and I have taken many memorable calls together and he’s always been there for me with advice and experience, but one of my favorite memories is when we lowered our ISO rating to a Class 3.” Aldridge went on to say, “It means a lot to me personally to be following in his footsteps and share the same passion and dedication for the Foscoe Fire Department that he holds deeply.”

Frank Aldridge has been a firefighter for 48 years and was the Foscoe Fire Chief for 13 years. The Foscoe VFD veteran is one of the department’s top call runners for his age and one of the team’s most reliable truck drivers. 

FVFD covers a district of approximately 22 square miles and a year-round population of roughly 3,500 which increases during tourist seasons. Foscoe is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Watauga County, NC.

Those interested in learning more about Toyne Tailored Apparatus can visit their official website at Toyne.com as well as follow the family-owned company on Facebook and Instagram.