Constitution and By-Laws of Fire Fighters Association No. 548 of Raleigh, N.C., 1938

This is a blog archives posting from June 2011. The page is corrupted on the old site, so we’re re-posting here. And a random artifact for your Monday enjoyment. This is the constitution and by-laws of the original incarnation (PDF) of the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association (web site). Same is scanned from a photocopy of the …

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Vintage Wilmington Fire Apparatus Photos – 1960s, 1970s Rigs

April 17But wait, Batman, one of these isn’t Wilmington, NC. Top left, the Ford/Swab rescue is Wilmington, DE. Thanks to our readers on Facebook for that correction. April 16Found for sale on eBay are these pictures of vintage Wilmington rigs. We’ve seen some of these before, in similar postings. Scroll down for a list of …

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Drawings of Durham Fire Station 17

The City of Durham opened a new fire station this week, Station 9 relocated to Midland Terrace. Watch this space for that story. Meanwhile, let’s look at drawings of Station 17, planned for 5503 Leesville Road. That’ll add a third fire station to Leesville Road, after Durham County Station 84 at 7305 Leesville Road, and Raleigh Station 29 …

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New Rescue, New Colors for Bay Leaf Fire Department

The Bay Leaf Fire Department is receiving a new rescue truck, a 2017 Pierce Velocity with walk-around body, job #30005. Here’s newly posted factory photo (see larger sizes), as well as some final production photos (see more). Should be delivered any day now. Note the new color scheme, grey over red. And the new name, …

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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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