Garner and Rolesville Municipal Mergers

Congratulations to Garner Fire Department and Rolesville Fire Department. Effective July 1, 2025, each merged with their respective municipalities, Town of Garner, NC Government and Town of Rolesville, NC. Congrats to all. They’re two of oldest community fire departments in Wake County. Garner FD was organized in 1952, with a small group of volunteers, a …

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Sedge Garden Fire Department / Triangle Fire Department History

Looking back at the Sedge Garden FD in Forsyth County. Photo from the Winston-Salem Journal, November 14, 1999. They were organized by the Sedge Garden Civic Club and started operating in 1951. Though the project may have been suggested as early as 1949.[1] They were the first community fire department in Forsyth County. They bought …

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McCain Sanatorium Fire Department History

Looking back at McCain Sanatorium in Hoke County, which added a fire truck in early 1952, reported the Raleigh News & Observer on February 17, 1952. It was built out of “begging, bolts, screws, and the ingenuity of its driver, Paul Cloer,” who was the maintenance chief at the facility. Using a “junkyard truck chassis” …

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Raleigh Fire Department – Plans, Reports, and Studies

Last week, the newly completed Raleigh Fire Department Master Plan was presented to city council, a consultant’s report commissioned last year. What’s the historical perspective on such documents? There have been many. Here are the ones that we know about: 1958 – Fire Protection Study 1970 – Fire Protection Study 1977 – Fire Protection Plan  …

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Relocating Fire Station 1 – Update – July 2025

This is an ongoing blog posting about relocating Raleigh Fire Station 1. See also the  official project site.  Contents Jul 2025 – Conceptual Site Plan Feb 2025 – Documents and Permits Dec 2024 – Professional Services Awarded Aug 2024 – Design Services Awarded Feb 2024 – Site Selected, Project Restarted May 2020 – Project on …

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Albemarle Rescue Squad, 1953

Stanly County history hit. The Albemarle Rescue and First Aid Company was using this truck in February 1953, reported the Stanley News and Press on February 27. The new truck had “already answered several calls” after having “just received the final touches, as far as equipment was concerned.” The truck was purchased as a result …

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Roanoke Rapids Fleet History

Midweek montage. How about a fleet history of Roanoke Rapids Fire Department from Halifax County, NC? Readers, what’s missing? Photo credits include the late Wayne Greer and local legend Lee Wilson. See more from Lee on his Flickr page. Hint: Search on Roanoke. Shown Above 1929 Chevy/Barton pumper, 350/500. Bought/built new, when department was organized that …

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Sanford and Lee County Rescue and Ambulance History

Research notes on Sanford and Lee County rescue and ambulance history. See Google Drive of source articles.  1950s 1952, Apr – Visiting civil defense rescue truck was displayed in Sanford, and viewed by members of the Sanford Municipal Civil Defense Council and other local officials. The town, however, planned no purchase of such a truck. …

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Pender County Planned Merger

Report from Pender County. On June 19, 2025, the county board of commissioners, in a 3-2 vote, approved a plan to bring EMS and fire protection services by four (or three) private agencies under country operation. Shown is the timeline in the proposed merger plan, from this document (PDF). The proposed plan will create a …

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Bald Head Island Major Fire – November 20, 2021

This is a blog version of a Facebook posting from June 17, 2025. Looking back at the North Bald Head Wynd Fire AKA the Lighthouse Landing Fire, and which contributed to the reasons for purchasing the new apparatus. It occurred on Saturday night, November 20, 2021, and was one of the largest fire events in …

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