| Organized in 1920, members of Franklinton's first fire department included Dick Sawyer, Hugh McGhee, Hugh Daniel, Mr. Gibbs, George Barrow, Joe Cooke, Eliah Bryant, R.W. Moore, W.H.M. Jenkins, and H.F. Fuller. In 1950, Milton R. (Buckwheat) House joined the department. In 1960, House was elected Chief, a position in which he served for 15 years. At the time of his retirement, the department had two pumpers, one tanker, one brush truck and one foam unit. On November 27, 1959, Otha Perry was hired as a full-time fireman. He was on duty each night at the Town Hall until his retirement. One of the most memorable fires to hit Franklinton occurred in April 1963 when wind-swept flames cut a path three miles wide and five miles long along the entire western boundary of town. The blaze leveled buildings and valuable woodlands as it etched its disastrous way through the community. During the height of the fire, flames swept across the busy U.S. 1 bypass at several locations and into the Ramey Circle residential section. Although damages were estimated in many thousands of dollars, no human lives were lost. However, the disastrous fire pointed out the need for a central fire control and communications network for Franklin County. Realizing the need for increased water capacity for firefighting purposes, the department voted to purchase a 1200 gallon tanker in October 1963. In 1975, Wilson Vaughan retired after 45 years of service to the department. Also that year, Milton House retired after 25 years of service. Following his resignation as Chief, H.W. Chappell was elected and served in this position for several years. Otha Perry retired in 1976 with 18 years, an Foy Estes in 1977 with 25 years. Norris W. Collins, Jr. became Chief in 1978 and remained in that position for five years. Recognizing the need to replace old equipment to provide better fire protection to the outlying areas, Northwest Franklin Rural Fire Department was established on September 25, 1980. Firemen worked many long hours to establish the fire district. As a result of their efforts, several trucks and some badly needed equipment were purchased. Many of these purchases are still being used today. All firefighters see tragedy, and Franklinton is no different. At least twice, members of the department hae lost their own homes to fires. In December 1980, a Franklinton fire chief's home was destroyed with the tragic loss of his mother's life. Several neighboring departments were called in to battle the blaze, but to no avail. In July 1988, fireman another Franklinton fireman lost his home to fire. On Christmas in 1983, amid a better cold snap, Franklinton firefighters answered 10 calls within a 30 hour period. Besides battling the flames, firemen had to contend with sub-freezing weather, frozen hydrants, and exhaustion. In the 1980's a couple of routine fire calls turned out to be cover-ups for murders. In July 1986, the body of a local female was found in a burning trailer, and in July 1988, the body of a local store owner was discovered when firemen were called to a blaze at his store. In both cases, investigators indicated the fires had been deliberately set to conceal the crimes. Not all calls end tragically, however. Many lives and countless dollars worth of property are saved on a regular basis by the firefighters. In order to improve the quality of fire protection offered to the citizens, numerous hours are spent yearly on training. As an additional benefit to the town, ssveral members are state-certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, Firefighters, or both. These members currently include Joel Callihan, Tony Gray, Steward Goswick, Kenny Lane, Robert Mitchell, Ted Spencer, Jeff Stroud and Denise Roberts, who in 1981, made department history by being the first woman elected to the Franklinton Fire Department. Other women have contributed greatly to the department, however. In 1986, the Franklinton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was formed. The original officers included Joyce Roberts, president; Joanie Bray, vice president; Rose Stroud, secretary; Levoie Senter, treasurer; Edna Tingen, public relations; Mary Wooten, chaplain; and Hazel Allen, refreshment chairman. Len Jackson is the current president of the Ladies Auxiliary. In May 1989, the town and rural fire departments incorporated into one department. A Board of Directors was elected, including H.W. Chappell, president; Larry Senter, vice president; R.L. Denson, secretary; Denise Roberts, treasurer; and Gary Bray, member-at-large. A sixth member was later added. David Robbins is president of the current Board of Directors. The new fire station on South Hillsborough Street was completed by the May 1989 Firemen's Day. The combination metal & brick station has ten bays for equipment, sleeping quarters, training room, and a spacious kitchen, which was furnished by the Ladies Auxiliary. The station replaced the old one on West Mason Street. When asked why they wanted to become firefighters, the members' answers varied. Basically, each one wanted to save lives and help people in their time of need. They all take pride in their work, and want to make the community a better place in which to live. For some members, it's a family tradition. Fireman Gary Appleford, for instance, is following the footsteps of his father and grandfather. The fathers or brothers of more than half a dozen others have been members of the fire department. Today's firefighters, like their predecessors, serve at no cost to the town and community. They constantly give their time and energy to fight fires, maintain equipment, and sponsor fundraisers so that they can continue to do their job. The department currently has full roster of 40 firefighters. Together, these 40 represent nearly 400 years of firefighting experience. |
| Franklinton Fire Department: 72 Years Of Service By Denise Roberts (1992) |
 |
 |
 |