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 LINE1927 - 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
located on Fayetteville Street. This was the old Town Hall, now the 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- Fire destroys Ring's Hardware downtown. Liberty Fire
Department request a ladder truck from the Asheboro Fire Department to help control the blaze.
Asheboro's ladder truck was the nearest ladder truck in 1991. It was stationed 20 miles away. 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 1977 GMC was also purchased from the GFD.
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 now able to house all of our trucks and equipment in one building.2007 - Liberty
hires 1 additional firefighter, Ryan Leonard.
2007- Town purchases a used 2001 Freightliner / Ferrara engine
from EM HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT in ALAMANCE COUNTY. The 2001 Freightliner will replace our 37 year old engine,
a 1970 Ford / Beam.2008 - Liberty Fire Department implements a Jr. Firefighter
program. This program was implemented to reach out to future volunteers. The program is open to anyone between the ages of
15-17.
2010 - Liberty Fire Department recieves an AFG for the sum
of $475,000. This money is designated to go towards the purchase of a new 77' ladder truck. The Town of Liberty will only
have to spend $25,000 for a $500,000 ladder truck. The grant request was written by Chief JR Beard. This request saved
the Town of Liberty $475,000 dollars. The aging ladder truck donated to the department in 1992 is in dire need
of replacement. Without this award the Town of Liberty could not afford to replace the 40 year old truck.
2010- Town Council chose to award Ferrara the contract to
build the new 77' ladder truck. The decision was a 3/2 vote. The Liberty Fire Department is a combination department. That means we have paid personnel
and volunteers. Our members have achieved 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 - 345 Hours Pump Operations - 134 Hours Aerial Operations - 60 Hours Emergency Vehicle Driver - 20 Hours Emergency Medical Technician - 204 Hours 
