The SCFD was created in 1972 as a result of the growing needs of an ever expanding unincorporated Shelby County. Prior to this department's existence the residents outside of the city limits of Memphis relied on the fire services of what was referred to as utility districts which were staffed by volunteer fire fighters. The SCFD had no fire fighting vehicles on the day it entered service. It relied on used fire engines which were either donated or were purchased with what little operating revenue the department had available.
       The SCFD has always been in a state of departmental growth while at the same time seeing its territory consumed by near constant city and municipal annexations. This has been a trying balancing act and is under constant review to this day.
       Fine leadership and dedicated staffing have resulted in what is today a fire department capable of standing next to the largest and most comprehensive emergency fire agencies anywhere.