The Statesville Fire Department will celebrate its 150th anniversary with demonstrations, fire safety activities and historic displays

Statesville Record & Landmark

STATESVILLE, N.C. — The city of Statesville invites the community to join the Statesville Fire Department in celebrating 150 years of dedicated service on Saturday, May 16 , from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 822 5th St. This free event is open to the entire community.

This milestone event will honor the department’s long-standing commitment to protecting the community while highlighting the evolution of firefighting in Statesville over the past century and a half, according to a news release.

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The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from the fire chief and local officials, followed by a keynote presentation reflecting on the history, growth and impact of the Statesville Fire Department.

The department’s history dates back to the late 1800s, following devastating downtown fires that led to the organization of formal fire protection efforts and the establishment of early volunteer companies. Over the years, the department has grown into a modern, professional organization equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies while maintaining strong ties to the community it serves.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy firefighter muster activities showcasing both traditional and modern firefighting skills, fire extinguisher demonstration, and a parent-child firefighter tug of war.

Lunch will be provided, featuring hot dogs and all the fixings.

The event will also include a variety of community engagement activities such as fire safety education, fire engine displays, meet-and-greet opportunities with firefighters, a turnout gear race, bounce houses and fire safety crafts. A smoke house will be on-site to provide hands-on fire safety demonstrations.

The first 100 children in attendance will receive free ice cream, and the first 100 adults will receive a commemorative 150th anniversary challenge coin. The community is encouraged to come out, celebrate this historic milestone, and spend the day with the Statesville Fire Department.

Rochester firefighters faced heavy fire and reports of a trapped occupant, working through dangerous conditions and a partial roof collapse

Salt Creek Emergency Services, a volunteer department, relies on donated vehicles and a small budget as repair bills, fuel costs and equipment needs continue to climb

Carpentry students built custom training props to simulate collapsed ceilings, entanglement hazards and hose deployment scenarios for Springfield firefighters

The Avon Lake Historical Society will unveil ALFD1, a restored 1939 Dodge American LaFrance fire truck

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Each year, the NFFF carries out a responsibility entrusted to it by Congress: honoring America’s fallen firefighters and standing alongside the families they leave behind. In 2026, that mission is at risk.