OUR HISTORY
Liberty Fire Department is the second oldest fire department
in Randolph County. The foundation of the Liberty Fire Department was laid years ago. This foundation was crafted
by people that saw a need for fire protection in the Town of Liberty. The dedication of the founding members that started
the department set the high standards that we still hold today.
TIME LINE
1927 - The Liberty Fire Department was started
1927 - Town's water system completed.
1928 - First time water system used at a fire.
The department went to the scene and soon had the fire within their control. The fire was at a motor service
company. Estimated damage was $10,000. The adjoining building was saved from any loss.
At that time the
Firemen would respond from the station which was located on Fayetteville Street, at the old Town Hall (Reitzel Center).
The fire equipment that
the town had at that time consisted of a 2 wheeled cart.
When the firemen arrived on scene they attached the fire hose to
the hydrant and attacked the fire.
1949 - Liberty Fire Department acquired the town's first rated fire engine.
1955 - The department moved to a new station on Swannanoa
Avenue.
1961 - Liberty Fire
Department destroyed by fire. Mr. Ross Ward, who manned the station, lost his life as a result of the fire several
days later. The trucks were saved, but all of the department's records were lost.
1961 - New station opens and department purchases 2nd fire engine.
1970 - Members of the department donate their pay to
purchase a rescue vehicle.
1980
- Fire Department receives pagers. This was an exciting step, as the department had seen many changes in the communications
system, from ringing a bell, to blowing a siren, to a telephone party line, to a four minute telephone ring.
1984 - The Northeast Randolph Fire District was established.
1989 - Town approves and allots money for a
new engine.
1990 -
Engine 31 arrives in town and receives a big welcome.
1991 - Ring's Hardware store catches fire in downtown... Liberty Fire Department has to call for a
ladder truck from the Asheboro Fire Department 20 miles away to help control the blaze. This was the closest ladder truck
to us at that time. Multiple departments were called in to help control the blaze.
1992 - After the large fire downtown, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Fitzgerald recognized
the need for a ladder truck in Liberty. They graciously purchased and donated a 1971 Ford/Pierce 50' ladder truck to
the department.
1997 - Town of Liberty hires
their first paid firefighter, JR Beard.
1999
- Department inspected by ISO and earned a rating of 4.
2001 - Town agrees to build a new station.
2002 - Town purchases a used 1996 Freightliner / Quality from the GREENSBORO
FIRE DEPARTMENT in GUILFORD COUNTY to replace our aging squad. The old squad was a 1977 GMC 5000 /
E-ONE. Ironically the GMC was also purchased from the GREENSBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT many years ago.
2003 - Liberty Fire Department moves into new station.
The new station is located only one half of a mile west from the old station. We are able to house all of
our trucks and equipment in one building now.
2007 - Liberty hires 1 additional firefighter, Ryan Leonard.
2007 - Town purchases a used 2001 Freightliner / Ferarra from the EM HOLT FIRE
DEPARTMENT in ALAMANCE COUNTY to replace engine 32. The old truck was a 1970 Ford / Beam.
Who we are now
The Liberty Fire Department is a combination department, meaning it is made up of paid personnel and
volunteers. Our members hold many different certifications including Firefighter I, Firefighter
II, and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).
How many hours does it take to become a firefighter?
Firefighter I &II - 402 hours
EMT-204 hours
