Currituck County, located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, is a beautiful and historic area known for its beaches, wildlife, and rich culture. As an expert in fire protection services in this region, I have witnessed the evolution of fire departments in Currituck County, NC firsthand.
The Early Days
The first recorded fire department in Currituck County was established in 1926 in the town of Moyock. This volunteer department was equipped with a hand-drawn hose cart and a few buckets. The department was funded by donations from local businesses and community members. As the county continued to grow, so did the need for more advanced fire protection.In 1948, the Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department was formed to serve the residents of Knotts Island, a small island located in the northern part of Currituck County. This department also relied on donations and fundraisers to purchase equipment and maintain operations. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, several other volunteer fire departments were established in different areas of Currituck County, including Corolla, Carova Beach, and Crawford Township. These departments were all operated by dedicated volunteers who were committed to protecting their communities.
The Creation of a County-Wide Fire Department
In 1971, the Currituck County Board of Commissioners recognized the need for a more organized and efficient approach to fire protection. They created the Currituck County Fire Department (CCFD), which would serve as the central fire department for the entire county. The CCFD was initially staffed by a small group of paid firefighters and supplemented by volunteers from the various volunteer departments in the county.The department was responsible for responding to all fire calls in the county, as well as providing fire prevention education and conducting fire inspections. Over the years, the CCFD continued to grow and evolve. In 1980, the department received its first ladder truck, which greatly improved their ability to fight fires in taller buildings. In 1990, the department added a hazardous materials response team to their services, and in 1995, they established a water rescue team.
The Modern Era
Today, the CCFD is a fully staffed and equipped department with over 100 career firefighters and support staff. They operate out of six stations strategically located throughout the county.The department is responsible for responding to all types of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. In addition to their emergency response duties, the CCFD also places a strong emphasis on fire prevention and education. They conduct regular fire drills at schools and businesses, provide safety presentations to community groups, and offer free smoke detectors to residents in need. The CCFD also works closely with the volunteer fire departments in the county. These departments still play a vital role in protecting their communities and are often the first responders to emergencies in their respective areas. The CCFD provides training and resources to these departments to ensure they are equipped to handle any situation.
The Future of Fire Protection in Currituck County
As Currituck County continues to grow and develop, so does the need for advanced fire protection services.The CCFD is constantly evaluating their operations and looking for ways to improve their services. In recent years, they have added new equipment, such as a drone for aerial reconnaissance, and have implemented new technologies to improve communication and response times. The CCFD also works closely with other emergency services in the county, including EMS and law enforcement, to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to emergencies. They also participate in regional training exercises and drills to stay prepared for any potential disasters.
In Conclusion
The history of fire departments in Currituck County, NC is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women who have served and continue to serve their communities. From humble beginnings to a modern, fully equipped department, the CCFD and its volunteer counterparts have come a long way in protecting the citizens and property of Currituck County.As the county continues to grow, the fire department will undoubtedly continue to evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of its residents.
