The organization of the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department began with a meeting of some of the citizens, which took place in 1886 in a two-story frame house located where the Lindemann Co. is now situated.
Perhaps the main reason for this meeting was the big fire, which took place in 1885, when the Union Furniture Co. and several nearby homes were destroyed by fire.
Eventually on April 6, 1887 a constitution was adopted which provided for the organization of the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department. This constitution provided for the following officers: Chief, Assistant Chief, Hose Captain, Lieutenant Hose Captain, Captain of the Engine, Lieutenant Captain of the Engine, Hook and Ladder Captain and Lieutenant Captain of the Hook and Ladder. The first meeting held was on April 13, 1887.