The Evolution of the Raleigh Fire Helmet – 1920s to 1980s

This is a blog archives posting from October 23, 2009. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here and with some updates. For your Friday enjoyment, let’s look at early fire helmets in the Capitol City. During the volunteer era, a few firemen had helmets. Such as this Carnes High Eagle …

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Cary Fire Department Adds Rescue Truck – June 1996

On June 30, 1996, at 20:10 hours, the Cary Fire Department placed its first rescue company in service. Though they operated a volunteer-staffed Civil Defense rescue truck in the mid- to late-1950s, this was their first “modern-era” rescue company. The new company and the added role of rescue provider resulted from an agreement with the Cary …

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Comparing Fire Department Recruitment Fliers and Banners

Have you noticed some of the colorful recruitment collateral lately produced by local and regional fire departments? Let’s compare some of these fliers and banners, from both around North Carolina and surrounding states. These are mostly recent, with a couple from a couple years ago. Found via searches on Facebook and Twitter. Left to right, top …

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Vintage Group Photo of Mecklenburg County Fire Departments

From another history buff, Kirk Beard of Kannapolis, comes one of the neatest vintage pictures we’ve seen in a while. Group photo of Mecklenburg County fire apparatus and vehicles circa 1960s. Picture is courtesy of Vicki Robbins, Beard’s aunt. He has deep roots in Mecklenburg County. His grandfather Robert Beard was a volunteer firefighter at …

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History of an Abandoned Bridge

This is a blog archives posting from September 5, 2014. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here. Here’s a treat of a treat. Abandoned bridge over Crabtree Creek, just west of Crabtree Valley Mall. Specifically opposite Morehead Drive at Glenwood Avenue. Can be accessed both from the sidewalk on Glenwood, …

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Raleigh Fire Department Plans – Future Ladder Companies, Raises Sought Instead of Staff

The News & Observer today published a pair of pieces about the Raleigh Fire Department, their plans with regard to additional ladder companies, and staff expansion as the Fire Chief seeks raises instead. Additional Ladder Trucks  This story from Chris Cioffi[*] discusses the department’s plans for additional ladder trucks, as well as their station construction renovation …

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Cary Receives New Pierce Pumper… And Some Trivia

The Cary Fire Department yesterday received their new Engine 9, a 2017 Pierce Enforcer 1500/500. It was delivered to Atlantic Emergency Solutions in Fayetteville on March 30, and arrived at Station 1 on Tuesday. Lee Wilson paid a visit and snapped this picture. See his photo album.  Lee Wilson photo It replaces a 2003 Pierce …

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Destruction of the State House – June 21, 1831

April 6Transcription of the old articles added, scroll to the bottom. April 2Speaking of great fires in the city’s history, did you know that the original State Capitol was destroyed by fire? The building was called the State House and it burned one morning in June 1831. Jacob Marling painting, 1818  Awful Conflagration! June 21, 1831. Tuesday morning. …

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