In 1940 a group of citizens organized the Godfrey Fire Protection Association.  This all volunteer organization started with one truck and operated out of the old Godfrey Creamery building.  In 1945 after three attempts through election, the Godfrey Fire Protection District was formed.  The district became tax supported which allowed the purchase of additional equipment.

In 1947 the district purchased a 500 GPM Mack pumper.  By 1951 the first (and only) full-time paid firefighter was hired.  This full-time firefighter along with twenty two volunteers provided fire protection to a growing community.  Two new trucks were added to the fleet in 1954 and a panel truck served as a rescue vehicle.  By 1960 a second station was added along with a new pumper.  An International Class A pumper was delivered in 1963 to replace the aging 1947 Mack.  A year later additional full-time staff was added and allowed the district to man the station around the clock.  1968 was a year of change for the district as the main fire station moved to its current location on Godfrey Road and the full-time firefighters unionized as Godfrey Firefighters Local 1692. 

By 1976 the district had added additonal manpower and another station at 1712 West Delmar.  One year earlier a proud Chief Clifford Lee was quoted as saying," Presently, our district consists of two adequately manned fire stations, five radio-equipped pumpers, three tank trucks, one station wagon, one squad car, resusitators, light plants, air packs, smoke ejectors, necessary fire extinguishers, and a hose washer and dryer for the immediate care of thousands of feet of hose."   

The eighties marked a period of change for the fire service in Godfrey and throughout the country.  No longer were firefighters expected to just fight fires.  The institution of a county wide 911 dispatch system increased the number of emergency medical calls the district responded to.  More and more firefighters became cross trained as emergency medical technicians or EMT's (a requirement for current full-time staff) and trained for hazardous materials emergencies.

Due to commercial growth, along with the growth of the local community college, GFPD took delievery of its first aerial in 1992.  At the time, it was the tallest and most capable ladder in the county and is still in service today.  1995 marked the 50th anniversary of the Godfrey Fire Protection District.  Over forty active firefighters celebrated the event with Terry Ford as Fire Chief.

 The district comprises an area of approximately thirty six square miles and protects over 17,000 people.  In 2009, GFPD responded to 1523 calls, a number that grows every year.  First class fire protection is provided by 17 full-time and 18 paid on call staff operating out of two stations that house two rescue pumpers, a ladder tower, reserve rescue pumper, tanker, light rescue, two brush trucks, and a utility vehicle.  Each dedicated firefighter stands ready to serve the citizens of the district at a moments notice. 

With the area experiencing continued growth, the district will continue to expand its capailities and services to meet future needs.  The Godfrey Fire Protection District has a rich history with a bright future ahead.