Fire Department

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Valdese Fire Department is to provide professional fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services to the citizens of Valdese and its visitors.

HISTORY

• The first organized firefighting unit in Valdese was formed in 1932 and was totally volunteer. The membership was twenty-strong, with Town Manager Lee Ribet serving as Fire Chief. The first fire truck was a 1917 Model T. Edward Pascal, former town councilman, recalls the fire truck being housed in a one-car garage at the present site of the First United Methodist Church. Shortly after, the department received a brand-new 1932 Mack Pumper. This truck is still used today by the department for parades.
• In 1947 an American LaFrance Quad was purchased. The Quad functioned as both a pumper and a ladder truck due to having a pump and a large selection of ladders, including a 50’ ground ladder with tormentor poles.
• In 1949, A.O. Anderson became the first full-time member of the Valdese Fire Department. He served as Assistant Fire Chief under Chief Lee Ribet.
• In 1962, A.O. Anderson became the first paid fire chief. Shortly after, the department took delivery of a 1963 Ford/American LaFrance pumper. Chief Anderson was instrumental in helping establish the first countywide fire radio system.
• Upon Chief Anderson’s retirement in 1973, Sherrill Brittain moved from Assistant Fire Chief to become Fire Chief. Chief Brittain oversaw the move into the department’s present-day facility.
• In 1975, a Mack pumper was purchased; however, it is not in service today. 
• In 1985, the department established its medical response unit and purchased a Pierce Arrow Quint.
• 1987 - Sherrill Brittain retired as Fire Chief.
• 1988 - Ernest Bertalot became Fire Chief after serving as Assistant Fire Chief since 1973.
• A 1995 Pierce Dash was purchased to take the place of the aging 1963 Ford.
• On October 1st of 1996, the department initiated the Emergency Medical Technician - Defibrillation Program within its medical response unit.
• Chief Bertalot retired at the end of 1998.
• Charles Watts was named Fire Chief on January 1st of 1999.
• 2001- The department joined Safe Kids Burke County and became a Permanent Checking Station through the NC Office of State Fire Marshal
• A 2004 Pierce Quantum engine was purchased to replace the 1975 Mack.
• 2015- Due to the nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters, the Valdese Fire Department hired five part-time firefighters. One part-time firefighter and four full-time firefighters are on-duty Monday through Friday 0800 to 1700 hrs. One full-time firefighter is on-duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day
  
• 2016- Junior Firefighters Program was initiated.
• 2018 – In January of 2018, the department placed a new 75 ft. Pierce Enforcer Ladder Truck into service. This multi-purpose apparatus responds to all structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and rescue incidents.
• Chief Watts retired on June 30, 2019  Greg Stafford was named Fire Chief July 1, 2019.
• 2020: The department added ATV 1, a 2020 Kawasaki Mule Pro FX.  This unit responds to off-road medical and fire emergencies and is utilized during medical and fire stand-by events.
• Chief Stafford retired on April 30, 2023.  Truman Walton was named Fire Chief on May 1, 2023
• In the fall of 2023, the department added Marine 1, a 2023 Inmar water rescue boat with a 30 HP Tohatsu motor.  This unit responds to water rescue emergencies on Lake Rhodhiss and other areas as requested.

CONTACT INFO
121 Faet Street, SW  P.O. Box 339 Valdese, NC
Telephone 828-879-2103
Chief Truman Walton 828-879-2110
Assistant Chief Levi Henry 828-879-2111