History of Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department

A group of citizens from the area of Water View, located in Upper Middlesex was approached by Middlesex Fire Department in Urbanna about forming a fire department  in Water View. In 1968, land was donated by Donald Morton, which is where the fire department now sits. Local citizens donated their time and materials to build the fire house.

At its formation, the fire company was known as Middlesex Fire Department Company 2. Charter Members of Middlesex Fire Department Company 2 were John Langford, James Verlander, Ronnie Russell, Woodrow Abbott Sr., Woodrow Abbott Jr. (First Fire Chief), Andrew C. Smith, Andrew C. Smith Jr., Shelby W. Higgins, Bernard J. Sickal, Jerry W. Boone, George D. Ellis, Callie James Thirft and Bobby Shackleford. In April 1969, the firehouse was completed and Middlesex Fire Department moved Engine 2 to be located at the Water View Fire House. The fire department served the area from the Churchview area to the Essex County line.

On February 15, 1995, the fire department became independent and formed under the charter name as Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department also known as Water View Volunteer Fire Department. At present Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department has 28 active members and 1 junior member. We house two engines, one tanker, crash truck, brush truck and a jet ski for water rescue.

The original fire house is still in use, along with an updated kitchen and a new four bay addition with a breeze way was completed in 2003.