The Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1949.  It is located in Hamlin, WV, the county seat of Lincoln County.  As the first fire
department in Lincoln County we served the entire 600 square miles of the county with one engine.  The first apparatus was manufactured by the 
members on a Studebaker Chassis.  The first station was on the ground floor of Hamlin Town Hall on the Southwest corner of Court
Avenue and Walnut Street.

In 1972, the property located three blocks South at 8049 Vine Avenue on the Southwest corner of Vine Avenue and Walnut Street was
purchased and became the next home of the department. It was the recently closed International Havester dealership.

Also, in 1972, the Alum Creek Volunteer Fire Department was form and others followed.  The last addition to the Membership of the Lincoln 
County Fireman's Association was the Mud River Volunteer Fire Department in 1994.  This solidified the current primary response area to
98 square miles in both Lincoln and Putnam Counties.

In 1976, the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department added Inc. to its name and became a Class S corporation under 501-c-3 of United States
Code. 

In 1978, the department moved into a new steel structure built in the parking lot of it's current home, and sold the old station which became an 
auto parts store and two apartments.

In 1991, with the opening of the Lincoln County E-911 center, the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department was designated Station 400.  With a central
dispatch center in place, the use of fire phones in the homes of individual members was discontinued and the station siren became obsolete.

In 2002, the auto parts store closed.  The old building with apartments was again purchased by the HVFD.  This allowed room to house the 
expanding fleet indoors.

After unsuccessful attempts, the department was awarded a $116,000.00 Fire Act Grant by the U. S. Fire Administration.  This allowed up-
grades to the radios carried by the members, replacement of SCBAs by 2002 compliant models, and the introduction of Large Diameter Hose.  
This equipment made it reasonable and possible for the purchase of Lincoln County's first aerial apparatus.

June 1, 2007 the HVFD took possession of the building formerly occupied by the Hamlin Junior High School. This will be the next home for the
department.  Initially, administrative office and BINGO have moved to the location at 8135 Court Avenue in Hamlin.  Plans for additional moves 
will take time and occur as resources allow.

Today, the Hamlin Volunnteer Fire Department, Inc.  has a primary response area of 98 square miles in Lincoln and Putnam Counties.  Nine 
apparatus are operated out of the single station by thirty-one volunteer members.  The annual operating budget is approximately $120,000.00 
obtained from Excess Tax Levy, WV Fire Marshal's Office Insurance Subsidies, BINGO, rental units above the old station, and grant funds as 
obtainable.