Area residents joined the Green Creek Fire Department celebration Sunday of its 45th anniversary. An open house was held at the fire department, 8645 Hwy. 9 South.

The Green Creek Fire Department, chartered in April, 1964, began with 12 firefighters and one 1942 Chevrolet Fire Engine. It was housed in the agriculture building at the Green Creek School, currently the House of Flags.

The department later acquired a 1950 Chevrolet from the city of Marion. It wasn&squo;t until 1969 that the department purchased its first new fire engine.

The current fire station was built in 1976 and the department added a substation in 2000 on Chesnee Hwy. beside New Freedom Church. An addition to the main fire station was added in recent years and the department also recently purchased an ambulance with donations from the community.

The department now has 40 firefighters and 11 medical members who assist with first responder calls and operate the ambulance.

During the open house Sunday, the department&squo;s equipment was on display.