Lowry Crossing
Volunteer Fire Department

1407 S. Bridgefarmer Rd.
McKinney, TX 75069
972-548-9440
Mobile: 214-478-8219
Inter-departmental Radio: 153.860 Mhz

Our History

It was January of 1984 and the City of Lowry Crossing had been offered a grant to be used for the "benefit of the citizens" of the city. It could have been used for a city park or recreation area but there was not enough money available to purchase and maintain any kind of a park facility. Not wanting the grant money to go to waste, the City Council decided that a fire department would benefit all the residents of Lowry Crossing. The grant money would be enough to get started and purchase an old deuce-and-a half U.S. Army four tracker that had been converted into a fire truck. The folks around Murphy used to see the old lime green painted truck parked in their fire station for many years back in the 70s. Throughout the 80s the same brightly painted truck became a familiar sight to the residents in and around Lowry Crossing.

The newly formed Lowry Crossing Volunteer Fire Department held its very first meeting in January 1984, soon after the City Council appointed the first fire chief, William E. Wells. Among the very first members were Glen Eastham, Mike Eastham, Merril Simpson, Clarion Berryman and Louis Pollaehn. The department soon grew in membership and activity. In 1986 a business decision was made to incorporate the fire department into a separate entity from the city. Chief Wells continued to serve the department until December 1989 when Mike Dickerson was elected chief. Chief Dickerson served until the end of 1990. Johnny Pressnell was elected chief and served for two years to the end of 1992. From January 1993 to the present Louis G. Pollaehn has been the chief of the fire department.

Since its inception in 1984 the Lowry Crossing Volunteer Fire Department has accomplished many milestones towards its present day status as a well organized, effective and respected fire department among Collin County fire departments. Through the hard work and tireless dedication of the officers and members of the department many lives have been saved and many properties have been spared from the ravages and destruction of fire. The focus of the department in recent years has been on training and equipment. At least half a dozen members are now certified basic firefighters with more soon to follow. Old worn out hand-me-down equipment and apparatus are being replaced with new or newer ones. As the Lowry Crossing community continues to grow and become more complex so must the fire department maintain its capability of effectively protecting its citizens and property. Only through the generosity and support of the community and its citizens can this all volunteer fire department exist and continue to save lives and property. What is the payoff? Peace of mind. Peace of mind for the folks who can rest assured that the fire and rescue personnel will respond swiftly when needed. Peace of mind in knowing that their fire department has the trained personnel and equipment to rescue that trapped victim out of a wrecked vehicle or a burning house. Peace of mind that insurance premiums are lower because of the effectiveness of the fire department. And, peace of mind for the firefighters in knowing that we have helped a neighbor today.