Our Fire Chief's Message

Hello, my name is Ed Whittaker and I am the Fire Chief for the Lake Jericho Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department here in Smithfield, Kentucky. I’d like to welcome you to our Department’s website.

The Lake Jericho Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is an integral part of the community and has been proudly serving it and their mutual aid partners since 1997. The department is a professional organization consisting of dedicated individuals whose primary mission is to protect the lives and property of the residents of our community and to assist the surrounding communities in times of emergency. The Lake Jericho Fire and Rescue Department is here to make certain our small mostly rural  community is as safe as possible.

We respond to emergency calls; including but not limited to, structure fires, fire alarm activations, gas leaks, auto accidents, medical assistance responses, and weather related emergencies.

In addition to responding to fire and rescue calls. The Lake Jericho Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department also organizes and conducts additional classes and demonstrations, which are designed and over seen by certified and experienced fire service instructors certified and credentialed  by not only the Commonwealth of Kentucky Fire Commission but the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, and National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications this not only allows us to ensure state of the art and up-to-date fire and emergency services training for our team but provide the ability to promote fire safety and make the topic understandable and fun for our citizens young and old. There are several holiday programs, which have become new established traditions in our area. For example October being fire prevention week is filled with fire safety training and training demonstrations . During beggars night our team sets up a "A Place of Safety" to see the fire trucks escorted by friendly fire department "ghosts and goblins" handing candy out. December is filled with alot of holiday activities as well. This includes but not limited to our  "Santa Run" throughout our communities subdivisions assisting Santa Claus with pre-planning for his Christmas Eve trip dispensing treats and holiday cheer while riding on a fire truck.

 I would ask you to feel free to take a few moments to browse through our web site to learn a few things about us. You will see why I and our fire service family take such pride in our department and you may even consider becoming part of our dedicated team of men and women who make up our family of firefighters .

I invite those of you who are looking to enrich your life and serve your community to contact my department at inquiry@LakeJerichoFire.org, go to our "Recruitment" page, or stop by any Wednesday night at 7:30 pm to meet our family and learn more. You are always welcome to come check us out on the Lake Jericho Fire and Rescue Department Facebook Page.

With an Unwavering Comittment to Community Service, Fire Prevention, and Protection I Remain,

Ed Whittaker - Fire Chief