History
A Brief History of the High Point Fire Department
The High Point Fire Department was organized around 1890 with a volunteer membership. During the early years firefighting was done with “bucket brigades”, until hand-drawn hose reels were purchased. the beginning of the High Point Fire Department has been recognized as 1901 when A.B. Horney and Walter Lovelace, both of the High Point Milling Company, purchased some axes, nozzles, and 500 feet of hose, and organized a firefighting force consisting of 20 volunteers to provide fire protection for both their company as well as throughout the city itself.On February 28, 1903, the board of Alderman passed an ordinance establishing the position of Fire Chief and one assistant, and thus formally recognizing a fire department.
In 1905 the department acquired horse-drawn hose wagons which were housed at three locations around the city. The first fire companies were originally called North Side Hose Company, South Side Hose Company, and the West End Hose Company. These too were formed by local businessman for fire protection of their respective business interest and the community in general. A.B. Horney was the “first” Fire Chief.
By 1909 the city provided for the construction of a two story building to house Fire Station #1, the Police Department, courtroom and jail. The department had its first paid employee, tom Peake, who was paid to “take care of the horse and to drive the horse to all fires.” Soon thereafter, buildings were constructed to house Fire Companies #2 and #3.
In 1915 the first piece of motorized apparatus was acquired for the South Side Hose Company. This was a Studebaker hose wagon. A short time later the department purchased a used pumpe and it remained in service until new apparatus began to be purchased around 1917.
In 1918 the department had six paid members in addition to several volunteers. The paid men worked 24 hours a day, 6 days per week and were given 1 day off, They were given an hour off for each meal while they were on duty.
In the years since then, both the cities territorial boundaries and the fire department have expanded many times over. Today the city encompasses 54 square miles with a possible 92 square miles in annexations. The fire department currently runs out of 14 stations, which house 13 Engine Co.’s, 3 Ladder Co.’s, 3 Squads, and 2 Battalion Chiefs. Each station is currently assigned to a specialty team.
The department currently operates with :
1 Chief (David Taylor)
1 Administrative Assistant to the Chief (Dottie Covert)
3 Deputy Chiefs ( Barry Tilley, Martha Younts, Keith Price)
6 Battalion Chiefs ( Randy Way, Danny Buckner, Tommy Reid, Julian King, Mark Powers, Lee Knight )
201 Firefighters that cover three shifts ( A, B, C ). Firefighters work a schedule of (24on, 24off, 24on, 24 off, 24on, 4 days off. All on line personnel are trained in fire suppression, EMT, and either technical rescue, haz-mat response, dive/water rescue and or fire prevention/safety.
1 Chief of the Training Division ( Rick George)
2 Training Officers ( Glenn Clapp, Doug Cline )
1 Fire Marshall ( Mike Levins )
1 Assistant Fire Marshall ( Don Hinshaw )
1 PIO/Inspector ( Denita Lynch )
3 Fire Inspectors ( Terry Gardner, Chris Weir, Danny Barham )
1 Chief of the Shop ( Randy Campbell)
3 Mechanics ( Danny White, Allen Creech, John Motsinger )
1 Fire Equipment Technician ( Teddi Yates )
1 Jack Of All Trades ( Mike Hackett )
1 IS Specialist/Grant Writer ( Chris Madden )
1 GIS Personnel ( Kyle Hoover )
