The Bell Buckle Fire Department was officially established in 1950, with James Elkins serving as Chief. The department's initial fire truck, a 1950 Chevrolet delivered by Central of St. Louis, was eagerly awaited by the community, who gathered at Frank Hill’s café. Unfortunately, the truck did not meet specifications upon arrival and had to be returned to St. Louis for modifications. By the end of February, the truck was delivered with the correct specifications and put into service the following day after passing a rigorous pump test at a creek off Liberty Pike, where it successfully pumped 400 gallons per minute for 4 hours.

Captain Doc Rogers from Nashville was brought in to advise on necessary equipment and procedures to establish the department. To officially become a fire department, Bell Buckle needed 15 firefighters and a chief. Within two weeks, the requirements were met. Doc Rogers returned, approved both the truck and the department, and the ISO rating of 5 was obtained.

James Elkins was officially named Chief by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, with two aldermen, Jack Hinkle and Burt Norris, also joining the department.

In the following years, the ISO rating dropped to 9 when the organization required that two firefighters be on duty at the hall 24/7. The town could not afford this and remained an all-volunteer department.

Initially, the truck was stationed at Elkins Garage for three years. In 1953, the Fire Hall was constructed on Webb Road East. In 1986, the Fire Department relocated to the old Carnation Milk Plant on Main Street, which had been renovated by the department's members. Currently, an addition is being built to connect with the old Fire Hall, allowing space for six trucks.

In 1982, James Elkins retired as Chief, and William Samuel Bingham succeeded him. Mary Lokey became Chief in 1998. The Fire Department continues to operate as an all-volunteer organization, collaborating with VFSI for mutual aid outside city limits, and remains committed to protecting and serving the community.

In 1986, the department acquired a 1964 Seagrave truck through an agreement with the Nashville Fire Department and established a mutual aid agreement with the Bedford County Fire Department. In 1998, a new truck, leased from Volunteer Fire Services (VFSI), was added; VFSI had taken over fire protection for Bedford County when the county fire department was phased out.

In 2005, the Bell Buckle Fire Department began an expansion project for the fire hall. By 2006, the new building was completed and dedicated as "The James W. Elkins Fire Hall," a facility designed to meet future needs and better serve the community.

Today, the Bell Buckle Fire Department consists of a Chief, a Training Officer, and 15 men and women. The department began a First Responder Program in the 1990s, which now accounts for about 60% of its calls for service. Many first responders are state-certified, with some holding additional certifications as Emergency Medical Technicians. Several volunteers have advanced to full-time positions in fire and EMS services in the region.

The department is funded through contributions from VFSI, the Town of Bell Buckle, federal and state grants, and private donations. We welcome and appreciate all donations, which can be sent to BBVFD, P.O. Box 276, Bell Buckle, TN 37020.