Captain Eddy Harpe Retires After 30 Years of Service

After 30 years of service, Captain Eddy Harpe is retiring from the Statesville Fire Department.

Harpe began his fire service career as a junior firefighter with the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his father, who helped found the department. He joined Statesville Fire in 1995 and witnessed the department grow from three stations to soon five, working at nearly every station along the way.

One of his proudest achievements was helping build the department’s Hazardous Materials Team, which won the North Carolina Hazmat Association Challenge twice. He also took pride in mentoring and training new recruits throughout his career.

A meaningful milestone came when his son joined the department — though Harpe missed the pinning ceremony while responding to a call, a reflection of the job’s demands.

In retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with family, helping coach softball, and enjoying time with his grandson.

Captain Harpe leaves behind three decades of leadership, dedication, and service to the community.