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 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 - 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 / Ferrara from the EM HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT in ALAMANCE
COUNTY to replace engine 32. The old truck was 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 award in
the amount of $475,000. This money is designated to go towards the purchase of a new 75' 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. His grant request directly saved the Town of Liberty $475,000 dollars. The aging ladder truck donated
to the Fire Department in 1992 is in dire need of replacement. Without this award the Town of Liberty could not afford to
replace the nearly 40 year old truck.
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
