TFD History

Citing a need for fire protection and other services within the budding community of Trafalgar, a group of men came together and established the Trafalgar Volunteer Firemen, Incorporated (“TFD”) in 1953. Although the group’s primary mission was fire protection, they also came together to provide other services in an effort to improve the living conditions within the community. The department would operate as a fully volunteer force. Fish fry fundraisers and a small annual contribution from the Township Trustees were the main sources of revenue throughout the years. The Hensley Fire Protection District was formed in 1998 for the purpose of receiving local taxpayer revenue, which otherwise was unavailable. The district’s governing body is a five-person Board of Directors appointed by the Johnson County Commissioners. Board members fulfill alternating two-year terms, with one expiring each year.

Trafalgar is located 25 miles due south of Indianapolis along State Road 135. The TFD provides service to a 50 square mile area of southwest Johnson County including the Town of Trafalgar, Hensley Township, and portions of Franklin and Union Townships. Trafalgar provides automatic and mutual aid to agencies in Johnson County as well as surrounding counties. The TFD operates from one firehouse that houses six front line apparatus consisting of an engine, rescue engine, tanker, squad, rescue and brush truck. The TFD’s jurisdiction is made up of a unique and diverse response area that continues to grow at rapid pace.