It all began when his next door neighbor, Bessie Patton’s home burned to the ground before the closest fire department could arrive, which at the time was Falmouth.  Unfortunately this was a tragedy that could strike anyone in the small community of Hartwood.  It was this event that sparked the building of the Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department.  Funding was assisted by the Hartwood Community League until 1973 when it was dissolved.  Steve and the other members held fund raisers to keep the money coming in to support their Department.  Since that time, Steve has not stopped his relentless dedication to ensure that the Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department members have the best training, the best equipment and the best leadership obtainable.

For 33 years Steve has been solely dedicated to the community, the department and to the county of Stafford as well.  He has served as President of the Stafford Fire Chiefs Association for a number of years and has been a member of the Stafford Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commission since 1992, when it was formed.  Steve has completed Firefighter #1, Firefighter #2 and Firefighter #3 and he continuously encourages his firefighters and EMS personnel to continue their training.   Steve has been a staunch supporter of the Junior Firefighter/EMS program at Hartwood.  He has directed his training officers to implement training programs for these young people to give them a head start on their training.  He has also been very supportive of the new Ambulance that will be arriving late January, early February to the Department. 

If you have ever read the poem, “Show me a Volunteer” it is written, for and about Steve Dempsey.  He not only dedicates his time to the volunteer fire department, he is also very active at Richland Baptist Church.

Steve’s wife Barbara should also be praised.  She knows first hand what it's like to live through the sacrifices made not only by a firefighter, but by their families as well.  It takes a special person to be a firefighter and it also takes a special person to love, admire and respect what that firefighter stands for. 

This tribute is to our Chief, Mentor and Friend....Lindsey Stephen Dempsey.
Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department

(written by Carolyn Dickinson EMT/Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department)

Editors note: "Steve" steps down as fire chief this month as Kevin Dickinson takes his place as chief. Kevin is slated to be featured in People of Fredericksburg next month.

Editors note: We are always looking for people to feature in our People of Fredericksburg section of SimplyFredericksburg. If you know someone that would make a great person to feature, please contact us here