Statesville Fire Department to Celebrate 150 Years of Service

The Statesville Fire Department is inviting the community to help celebrate a major milestone as the department marks 150 years of service to the city.

The free public event will take place Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 822 Fifth Street in Statesville. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the celebration honoring a century and a half of dedication to public safety.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from the fire chief and local officials, followed by a special presentation highlighting the history, growth, and lasting impact of the department on the community.

The department traces its roots back to the late 1800s after a series of destructive downtown fires prompted the creation of formal fire protection services in Statesville. What began as volunteer fire companies has since grown into a modern department equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies while maintaining strong community connections.

Visitors will have the chance to see firefighter muster demonstrations featuring both traditional and modern firefighting skills, along with fire extinguisher demonstrations and a parent-child firefighter tug-of-war.

The celebration will also include fire engine displays, fire safety education, meet-and-greet opportunities with firefighters, turnout gear races, bounce houses, fire safety crafts, and a smoke house for hands-on safety demonstrations.

Lunch will be provided with hot dogs and all the fixings. The first 100 children attending will receive free ice cream, while the first 100 adults will receive a commemorative 150th anniversary challenge coin.

City leaders say the event is designed to honor the department’s proud history while giving the community a chance to celebrate alongside the firefighters who continue to serve Statesville every day.