Wayne County’S First Rural Volunteer Fire Department

Established August 10, 1956

In 1956, a devastating barn fire on the property owned by Norwood Vinson would spark an interest in the community to form a rural fire department. Led by the personal loss of property, Vinson would see this vision through and lead the charge of organizing a department dedicated to protecting the property and livelihood of the New Hope School District. 

On April 16th, 1956, Norwood Vinson, along with other members of the community including George Peele, Mark Edwards, Charlie Strickland, and New Hope School Principle, Talton Jones, spearheaded an organizational meeting held at New Hope School (Eastern Wayne High School). The result of this initial meeting would establish the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department, the first rural volunteer fire department in Wayne County. The first installment of officers would also be elected at this time, making Norwood Vinson the first Fire Chief, Alonza Newsome as the Assistant Chief, and James Uzzell as the Secretary-Treasurer. In the business session conducted by D.J. Rose Jr., the newly formed department voted to set a $2 membership for the duration of 1956. Rose also reported during this meeting that the department might later adopt a policy of charging $25 for making house calls to those refusing to acquire a membership. In addition to that, Rose Jr. noted the department predicts fundraising drives, along with $600 of previously pledged funds, will enable the organization to make its first purchase of equipment. The extent of Rose Jr's business knowledge and savvy finance skills would establish him as the chairman of the purchasing committee. This committee was set forth in pursuit of purchasing the necessary trucks and firefighting equipment required to bear the purpose of the fire department. Vinson also reported at the meeting that the Thompson Wooten Oil Company of Goldsboro had donated a 750-gallon tank to haul water. Although a good start, Vinson had larger intentions. In hopes to serve more than just the New Hope area, the group set their sights to obtaining a 1,250-gallon tank truck from the war surplus board in Raleigh. 

Present at the meeting were County Commissioner Seth Howell, Sgt. Tony Best of the Goldsboro Rescue Squad, and Chief Wesley Howell of the Goldsboro Fire Department. Chief Wesley Howell pledged the cooperation of his department in both aspects of training and advising for the new rural unit. Sgt. Best declared the Goldsboro Rescue Squad would provide First Aid Training, as well as reminding the volunteer firemen that the Goldsboro Rescue Squad Units are available for calls throughout the county if medical assistance was needed. Commissioner Howell, infatuated with the prototype, hoped this movement would encourage other rural communities also to study the volunteer fire department model.

On April 28th, 1956, an initiative had been started to raise funds for the New Hope Fire Department. Chief Norwood Vinson was named Chairman of the membership drive with George Peele serving as the Co-Chairman. New Hope Volunteer Fire Department members would distribute pledge cards throughout the school district requesting an annual $2 membership for the new service. During this time, Chief Vinson reported to the Goldsboro News-Argus that the community was doing a fantastic job with the fundraiser. Vinson also announced that the department headquarters would be at New Hope; however, it would serve all the people in the New Hope School District.

Vinson's first step was to ensure the department was well equipped and construct a station near New Hope School that would serve a headquarters. Chief Vinson set forth long term goals of adding more stations in different areas of the community. Even at such an early stage, Vinson already had two locations in mind that would serve as "substations" where small trucks would be located. Chief Vinson proposed the plan to "have a (few) trained men in any area where a fire may break out." If an alarm were to be received at the headquarters, it would be answered by the first fireman to answer the phone. 

The popularity of the rural fire department rolled throughout the state of North Carolina and encouraged other communities to adopt the rural department design. Chief Vinson was on record with the New-Argus quoting, "a number of inquiries have been received from other communities interested in establishing volunteer fire departments." Vinson also reported that one of those requests came from a community over 100 miles away. The people of the New Hope community are hoping the organization of the first rural fire department in Wayne County would encourage other areas of the state to start plans for similar programs.

In June of 1956, two rallies were planned by the New Hope Fire Department in attempts to kindle more interest in the volunteer fire department. The first meeting was held at Carl Coker's store (Stonewall's Restaurant) near Coker's Mill at Hood Swamp and the second at Sidney Lancaster's store (near the Wildlife Pond of Goldsboro). As a result of these meetings, more than a hundred members had signed up for the New Hope Fire Department. With the amount of growth, the department was expected to be operating within the month. George Peele, the department's fundraiser co-chair, stated ultimate plan called for four fire trucks, two of which will be located near New Hope School at Mark Edward's residence, serving as the main headquarters. The other trucks were to be placed at Sidney Lancaster's store, as well as in the Elroy community. The department was set to go fully operational with one truck, as soon as the truck can be obtained.  

That day would come no later than July 15th, 1956, and the department's first truck would arrive at its doors. The truck was purchased from Mark Edward's for what Chief Vinson exclaimed, "a very small sum." Mark Edward's had personally donated the more significant part of the truck for the sake of the department. Chief Vinson affirmed a portion of the equipment had been received and the unit would be ready for operations within two days after the remainder of the equipment arrives. Many of Goldsboro's local merchants donated a total of twenty slickers (raincoats) and caps for the New Hope firefighters, formulating the first form of personal protective gear the volunteer firefighters of Wayne County would use battle the blazes. In return for the donations, the raincoats would display the advertising of the stores which donated them. "Work is going forward in getting merchants to donate enough boots for the firemen," claimed Chief Vinson. It was at this time that the department began to develop further plans to build a fire station during the fall or winter near Mark Edward's store.

On August 11th, 1956, the finishing touches were being put on New Hope's Fire Department's first rural fire truck. The rig previously purchased from Mark Edwards was a converted oil truck equipped with a high-pressure pump, hose, and an 800-gallon water tank. Special attachments added to the unit would enable firefighters to ride on the side as well as a place for ladders to be attached. The local paper exhibited a photo of William Earl "Squirrel" Edwards and Mark Edwards demonstrating the force carried by the new truck.  "Today; she is ready for action," reported Chief Vinson. With a new fire station being planned at a nearby lot, the new truck would be kept at Mark Edward's store for the time being. At this time, Chief Vinson announced a slate of eleven men who had signed up as volunteer firemen for the department and said that other volunteers would be added. This new truck will be kept at the Mark Edwards store. Only three of the firefighters were able to drive the new fire truck, and one of those three were to be at the store at all times. Chief Vinson asked that residents of the community to record the telephone numbers "1979-J-1 for Mark Edwards or 1994-J-3 for Chief Norwood Vinson" to call in case of a fire. Although this would be updated later, this would be one of the first forms of communication in dispatching fires to rural areas. 

With the department ready for operations, a firefighting crew assigned to the first truck. The squad included Chief Norwood Vinson, Assistant Chief Alonzo Newsome, Mark Edwards, Rexford Rose, Jacob Edwards, Arnold Smith, G.F. Peele, Ralph Garris, Barry Eason, and Cecil Sutton.  Chief Vinson said the new truck is available to assist the other fire department in Goldsboro, Pikeville, Fremont, Eureka, and La Grange. As the first fire call was inevitably on the brink, so was the potential for property damage, injury and even loss of life. With this in mind, Goldsboro Attorney Dortch Langston donated his services as legal counsel for the department. The corporation was set up with a board of trustees including Norwood Vinson, Mark Edwards, G.F. Peele, Arnold Smith, and Jacob Edwards as members. 

On August 16th, 1956, New Hope Volunteer Fire Department would respond to their first call. The call, a tobacco barn on Tommy Lancaster's farm about three miles away, almost didn't get reported. In the excitement, the family on whose farm the fire occurred momentarily forgot there was a fire department or fire truck. By the time the New Hope Firemen arrived, the barn was obliterated. However, the crew did make it in time to save a fuel tank containing a large quantity of oil as well as preventing two nearby barns from igniting. The overall approximate loss of the blaze came out to be $1750.  

On the night of August 20th, 1956, just four days after their first fire, New Hope Firemen answered its second call around 8:30 pm to yet another tobacco barn fire, this time on Norman Daly's farm off NC Hwy 111 of Goldsboro. Although unable to save the tobacco farm, the volunteer firemen did save the adjourning house and looping shelter. The loss of the tobacco barn and its contents were also estimated at $1750. In attempts to iron out the wrinkles of the new department, Chief Vinson implemented that all fires during the day should be reported to Mark Edwards at 1979-J-1, but all calls throughout the night should be delivered to himself at 1994-J-3. To avoid any confusion, Chief Vinson knew an effort must be made in acquiring a separate line specifically for the fire department.

November 24th, 1956, New Hope Volunteer Department would receive its second truck, coming equipped with a 1500-gallon tank and was shipped to the fire department from the War Surplus board out of Raleigh. This was yet another time where the visions and aspirations of dedicated men would come to life throughout the history of the fire department. The truck would prove to be beneficial to the community as it would provide a mobile source of water to the fire scene. 

On December 5th, 1956, the department was called for a fire on the D.M. Sutton Farm off HWY 70 near Piney Grove Church. The department responded both of its trucks into action with a total of twelve firefighters who would battle the fire for almost nine hours. Chief Norwood Vinson would mark this fire call as the biggest one the department had seen yet. However, a recurring theme throughout the first three calls was the considerable delay in response time. Chief Vinson credited the delays in receiving the initial call to busy phone lines, preventing firefighters from getting to the scene in time to stop the fire before it spread. Chief Vinson said we are now studying new ways to speed up the calls to the fire station. "The way it is now, we have several parties on the same line, and there is a good chance the lines will be busy when an emergency call is attempted," quotes Vinson.

On the cold winter day of December 21st, 1956, materials were unloaded and staged for the construction of the new station. The new station was set to be located on the land of Jacob Edwards Farm and would contain parking spaces for two trucks and a meeting room. Edwards donated the property under a contract that will remain in effect as long as the fire department remains in operation. On January 9th, 1957, ground was broken for the construction of the new fire station. A photo of the materials at the construction site was posted in the local paper with Chief Norwood Vinson and Fireman Mark Edwards. Chief Vinson reported to the paper that "businessmen in the Goldsboro area and New Hope citizens have taken an active role in providing materials and money." This would create the inaugural station for New Hope Volunteer Fire Department. 

January 18th, 1957, more challenges faced the New Hope Fire Department as they answered a call off US 70. The Goldsboro Fire Department sent one fire truck to the scene to assist the New Hope Firemen, commencing in one of the first mutual aid efforts between county and city fire departments. However, the departments did not have enough water due to a connection on the tank of a New Hope fire truck freezing over, rendering it unusable. This was due to not having a permeant structure and the trucks remained outside in the elements. With the joint effort provided at this call, this would spark the interest in a mutual aid agreement between New Hope Volunteer Fire Department and Goldsboro Fire Department.  

On February 22nd, 1957, the two departments would reach an accord and announced a mutual aid assistance agreement. The agreement would be between the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department, Goldsboro Fire Department, and the department at Seymour Johnson Fields (SJAFB).

On May 9th, 1957, New Hope Fire Department would get its third truck. The new unit was equipped with three reels containing 450 feet of hose and a 500-gallon water storage tank. Along with this, advancements were being made within the volunteer fire service. Fire protection was scheduled to come to either Elroy or the Saulston areas as the next step. Even with the progress being made, Chief Vinson still had aims of acquiring a fourth truck, completing the previously instated goal by George Peele. 

That goal would receive a significant boost on May 14th, 1957, where Chief Vinson announced that a government surplus truck would be placed in the Elroy community. Residents in the Elroy community have pledged financial support to the fire department, gathering more than $500 towards the price of a fourth truck for the department. The New Hope Fire Department previously purchased the rig as part of its plan to extend fire protection to every area in the New Hope School district. Five firefighters were recruited to man the unit and were outfitted with a fireman hat and slicker. Chief Vinson declared the department would continue to work toward the purchase of the fourth truck for the Saulston area as soon as the Elroy truck is placed in operation.  

In 1960, Norwood Vinson would step down from his position as Chief, leaving Jacob Edwards to fulfill the role from 1960-1969. During this time, small hiccups would present itself for the department. After learning of a Wake County department with the same name, the organization would change its name to Hopeville Fire Department. However, this change was only temporary, and would shortly be reverted to its original name. 

In 1969, Roland M. "Bud" Gray would take the helm as Chief and continue the mission set forth by the department until 2006. During that time, the department would begin to formulate a robust fleet of fire apparatuses. In 1978, the department would purchase a 1,200-gallon quick-dump tanker. In 1979, a brush truck for minor wood and brush fires would also be added. With the expansion of the regime, the organization looked for a larger space to house their fire units. In 1985, a plot of land would be purchased from the heirs of Luby Smith. A new fire station consisting of four double bays, a kitchen, a training room, a bunkroom, an office, restrooms, and a shower would be built and serve as the headquarters to this day.

With the additional space, the department would add a 1,000 gallon per minute Pierce pumper would be purchased in 1988 and two years later, a utility/command truck. In 1993, a Pierce pumper tanker was added. With Wayne County beginning to shift out of its agrarian culture, new challenges were presented to the department. Buildings were becoming bigger and taller, and the department needed to adapt to stay prepared for any situation. One of those challenges, in particular, is the towering mills of Goldsboro Milling Company, shadowing the department less than two miles away. With this obstacle looming in the distance, New Hope Fire Department purchased a Pierce Ariel platform truck, with a ladder to extend 85 feet. The tower truck was thrust into action just a few days after its delivery, responding mutual aid to Goldsboro Fire Department at a downtown department store fire. This truck proved its worth not only to the immediate community but also to neighboring counties. On January 29th, 2003, New Hope Tower 1 responded to West Pharmaceutical to fully involved structure fire generated by an explosion. The truck and volunteer members of the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department played a significant role in the cross-county, multi-day operation.

In 2006, Roland M. "Bud" Gray would resign from his position as Chief, and the department would turn Donald Gray to fill that role. During this era, many changes would begin to take place that would continue to shape the organization. The department purchased their newest Pierce Engine truck, giving it the title of Engine 1. New Hope Volunteer Fire Department would absorb East Wayne Volunteer Fire Department, creating a substation for the growing organization. 

In 2017, Al Laws would be named the fifth and current Chief of the department. For 63 years, the New Hope Volunteer Fire Department continues to serve the New Hope community by defending life and property. The ever-evolving department remains dedicated to its mission and focused on training brave volunteers on the most up to date techniques in the fire service. The New Hope Volunteer Fire Department pledges to continue serving and protecting the lives and property of the New Hope community.

Some information provided from excerpts from the Goldsboro News-Argus.