In the early 1980’s, more and more communities in out-lying arounds around the city limits of Mobile were taking the pledge as far as fire prevention was concerned. With little or no protection from the sudden outbreak of fire, Seven Hills began to realize the only means of combating an unexpected blaze is to organize and fight it themselves.

Under the direction of Chief Johnnie Peavy, the Seven Hills Volunteer Fire Department was formed on December 2, 1981. It originally protected an area of 15 square miles in West Mobile from the Trailwoods Subdivision to Grand Bay-Wilmer Road across Jeff Hamilton Road back up to Repoll Road.

The volunteer group acquired use of a surplus military vehicle from Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery and a truck that was used a two-ton pumper.