The Independence Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) is one of seven volunteer departments serving the unincorporated areas of Tate County, Mississippi. Established in 1974, the department is a non-profit community organization dedicated to preserving life and property through fire suppression, emergency medical response, and public education.

• Mission: The department's primary mission is to protect lives and property from fire and other disasters, while also providing fire safety and prevention education to the local community.

• Services Provided:

  • Fire suppression and control.

  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) services.

  • Auto extrication and rescue.

  • Fire safety education, including providing residential detectors to low-income and elderly residents.

• Current Leadership: The department is led by Chief David Shackelford.

• Location: The main station is located at 5480 Hwy 305, Coldwater, MS 38618.

• Insurance Rating: As of 2026, the department maintains a Class 8 fire rating, which can help lower property insurance premiums for residents within its service area.

Beyond emergency response, the Independence VFD focuses on Community Risk Reduction. They actively seek to offer free safety demonstrations and materials to local children and vulnerable populations. The department relies on volunteers and community support to maintain its operations and equipment, such as gas and carbon monoxide detectors, which allow them to handle specialized emergencies without depleting additional county resources.