TABLE OF CONTENTS J{NO GEMENTS Acknowledgements 3 I APPRECIATION TO Al,L THOSE INDIVIDUALS Roll Call 4 WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTEP TOWARDS THE PUB­ LICATION OF THIS COMMEMORATIVE BOOK. History 6 Chiefs Office 18 Administrative Services 21 €HAIRMAN- Irish F. Good Prevention Ser-vi es 23 Resource Man 25 STAFF - Assistant Chief B. C. Cox, Planping and Researob Officer �D. Emergency 27 Brooks, Secretary Virginia Robbins, Fi � Data Analyst Teresa Gross, and Captain Dee Ann Staley. Organ· 30 31 YOUT & DESIGN - Editors, Staff Assistant Ghief R. F. Johnson, Perso Assistant Chief R. K. Flowers, Battalion Commanders, and Fire Prevention s� . 51 Qersonnel. 58 HISTORICAL INFORMATION - 1808 - 1984 written bY. Bradley 0. S9 Cox, edited by Paul D. Brpoks. 1985 - 1990 written by Paul D. Brooks. 60 P.HOTOGRAPHERS- FFII J. D. Daniels, FFII H.uHaynie, Jr., School 64 Pictures, Inc. and Battalion ChiefH. R. Ro�bins. ?'il'J�-. 68 GREENSBORO NEWS A D RECORD - Joe Rodriquez and Frederick 80 D1Joe. 82 94

Fire prints located on end pages and personnel divisional page contributed by Jim Ballance, artist. Cartoon on last page contributed by Squadman D. E. Hayes IL

3 ,,,, The'frlllow1ng1n ron--calloffi1'ffler'TTreTflbe�6Teeflsbon,,'Fm::-Depahmet'lt with whe-s� morlln8ftooe year of honorable service. This list is based upQn Fire Department personnel records and is as complete as these recordsallow. � J. T.Cox 07-01-93 Romaine Pitts 09-04-40 E•erettC. Poole o8-f1-48 Lawrence,-.1-beth 08-01-56 JeromeA. Gaither 09-05-61 Ronald N. Perkins 01-01-70 F. D.Shaw 01-01-06 EarlW. Aydelette 09-11-40 LeroyV. Cauthren 08-6-48 DonH. Middleton 08-01-56 LeanC. McLaughlin 09-05-61 RoyLee Stevenson 01-01-70 P.B.Shaw 08-01-07 WIiliamA. Cox 01-01-41 RalphA. H 08-f� "Rerbert"l;.Smldi 18-(11-56 Emmanuel McLendon 09-05-61 JohnC. Stuart 08-16-70 MarvinS.G 08-26-48 s Moo.Barnes Ot-61-I' Wllliaa8;Jill ington 01-01-41 Charle F.Walker •-01-56 ,Leon I. Roberts 09-05-61 MelvinE. King 07-07-71 � .Stubble 03-01,:.1!> Jack R. · 01-01-41 PIIIIIL.Bro 09 .01-48 09-16-48 Richard M. WMtiey Clt-01-56 Walker Ro...WD,lltyd Ot-24-n lt. Ballinger. OS-OJ-19 Wllliu, olt 01-01-41 'MlrvinB. Joan Jesse Randall ·Sina 118-()6-56 � e S.White �· eMl.41 Ronni ehowic 01-24-tz.. J. V. Roach 08-GJ-?e Waldo T. Hud9on 01-01-41 William P. Kiger 09-)6-48 s 10-01-48 John L Mikle 02-16-57 EaeeneColeman 12-16-fl Rogerl... \'ates 01-31-12 ReuelS. Sink 0S-01-21 ClydeE. Marsh 01-01-41 Glenn T. Jones James A. Goins 03-16-57 El G.Heldreth WilliamI{, McQure 01-01-41 William W. Way 10-01-48 01-02-62 RichardT. Shular 09-18-72 ClarenceF. Highfill 08-01-21 James L Andrews 05-21-57 BenjaminJ. Sloan 04.e9-62 A.E.¥arlow 23 Md>ewtll tl-01-41 �B.Kent 11-16-48 Shlll'.00G. �oy 09-25-72 OJ-01-41 Gt P. Schrimsher William8. Sutton 05-21-57 PalW . Bullarll '6-J"t2 01.oi,,r'J C 02-011.24 ...... ry Je ler 05-21-51 I.Crumpler 03-01-24 RoyLNewum -01-41 CwtiaLeeFrey i� �:!f U\'IM.Miller �1"2 �-� 01-e1..;3 = ; 1'. eo 05-21-51 ClarenceE. Phillips Ol-16462 S. C'llrilten OltoOl-'73 Claadtas-0. o-,i. 06-&l·2'C -01-41 Dewe1G. Kivett L I' DNaJas 01-01-41 JamesC. Russell tl-01-48 Kenneth S. 06-08-57 Josepb�cZ«n 09-84-62 William CWitQ' 06-01- FloydG. Garrard 06-15-24 Wesleya.,...C.RldleftC. Siler .ell et{ . J. F.Smith 12-01-24 Edward D. Smith 01-01-41 A. C. Farmer 12-16-48 RoyA. Moore 07-16-57 JackSteinberg 01-07-63 Brenda C. Nichols 12-13-73 R.C. Fortune 02-01-25 JamesB. Stigall 01-01-41 EliE. Ritter ,j; 12-16-a '1'°"myM. Wagoner 07-16-57 Jimmie R. Turner 0J.16-63 Robert M. Barnwell 01-01-74 R. S. Smith 03-01-25 Roy V.Thornberry 01-01-41 HarryE. Bre 02-01-49 RxlardF. Page 10-07-57 JosephR. Brown 01-21-63 Daniel H. Miller 03-11-74 L.R.Tew 06-01-25 ClydeN. Wilson 01-01-41 HenryA.,(:� 02-01-49 ltarveyK. Bryant � 02•l6-58 DonaldE. Whitaker 01-21-63 MichaelG. Garrett 07-16-74 kin 06-15-25 William F.Cain IU-06-41 Bural A. Cavl,less 02-01-49 OzzieL. Bowman $16-58 GeorgeA. Meeks 02-16-63 RogerA. Webster 09-16-74 �a:" 01-15-41 Raymond F:'Reddick 02-01-49 T.Gaalden 07-15-25 Charles{i"O..on LarryR. Bradley OS.16-58 AliceL Hammond 03-01-63 David H. Robertson 05-16-75 G. M.Allaood 6'-01-25 Willi- H-ook 03-15-41 Thomas P. Schorr 02-01-49 James P. Haynes 05-16-58 Harvey L.Guffey oa- yneWelcb os-16-a T. W. Johnson 111-0l-25 LawreaceD. Honeycutt 03-15-41 June M. Pendergrass 02-2149 �D.'-'renp 05-16-58 Albert M.Bush � �F.lillland 02-01-77 P. J. Inman 11-01-25 Homer E.Koontz 03-15-41 Jack E.Neugent 04-16-49 � 3 06-01-49 John R. Lewis 05-16-58 ArchieS. Hill M-l2-6i Maniai'Moing 02--01-77 R. L Stone 11-01-25 SilasA. Wylie 03-15-41 Alton R. Henley JohllE. Loy s urp James D.Gwynn 06-01""9 05-16-58 Je seC. Gray 07-08-6 GaryS. M hy 02-01-77 J. Y,'Ma,:sh 02-01-26 OttoWillett 03-20-41 Cad D. Miller 05-16-58 LarryReed 0. s Samuej.A.M 04-01-41 Da�id D. Rudd 03-01-50 10-01-63 Keith R. Rus ell 02-01-77 S.-A.MOler W S-26 �um ReertE. Parri,h 05-16-58 Robert I. McQuee■ 10-28-63 JosephE, n C.H.� 85-15-26 Th-E.W 8'-01-•U J-B. Finison 03-16-50 3:::e 02-09-fl6'-ol-77 8-lolpllT.Fere Pr._ 10-01-42 urJ. Newsome 10-01·50 Joha R. Sbephenl 05-16-58 RichardG. Refc:M 04-01-6'.4 SWla N-. ro 116-f7•26 D. H-,.cstt llorrestW. Shore P.M. Helt N-16-lt. Pl-r C. Leslie 10-01-42 anhallJack Rumley 10-01-50 05-16-58 MNroeT.Nldioa.in ..., MarltAFJaon 0l-01-78 F. H. Roberts 07-15-26 WorthWilson 10-15-42 DlmcuD. West JMU·• HaroldC. Smitb 05-16-58 ni_.D. Morrilon 07 1.. Paul G. Ml 01-eJ.'78 A. V. Hodgin 08-01-26 Lonnie P. Sprinkle 11-01-42 JohnB. Nicholson 11-01-50 �Dollllie,\. V 05-16-58 CluenceG.Cam.pt,ell &7--01� Jffl')"-D.Rffll 02-&MII Kennth 8. Deviney 09-01-26 AlbertE. West 11-01-42 ClarenceB. Beal 11-16-50 WilliamJ,- Wray 05-16-58 Phillip L Coble 07-16-65 StephenP. Ross 02--01-78 FredV. Truelove 09-01-26 EldonC. Carroll 11-15-42 Robert F.Gulledge II01-IH L iJ■-es IU..is O(i.l(i.58 Richard D. Moore 07-16-65 Dale W. Tonkins 02--01-78 Cal•inW. Wyrick 09-01-26 Stanley 04-01-43 CjwletT. McLees 01-16-51 Janie H. l!atch 07-16-58 KarenSue Pegram 11-0�5 LorenzoMeachum 07-01-78 RoderickB. Carroll 09-06-26 JohnP. Barbee 04-01..0 'Bill> F.Schoolfield 01-16-51 8-b}W. Williua 12-16-58 la.aB. Alexander 01-01�6 Robert S. Morris 07-01-78 �E.Coe OW6-26 William H, O@ome 04-01-43 Don■ldP. Mills 03-16-51 Charlest,, Bean 04-16-59 WOiiamB. Simpson 02-01� MiltonL Moore 09-05-78 IM6-26 J.Pul 04-01""3 EnleslD. Shelton 03-16-51 E4sarP. Hodae 1-1..Fields William 05-25-59 RalphS. Wyrick 02-01: JlmtiW,J)onn OS-01-.1,9 MerfW.Perki• DockC.C..caer &01-43 Elv1nC. Parrish 03-19-51 Jerry K. Norwood 09-09.59 BillyW: McDaniel 02-1 GaryD.H an os-o{. Edgar ,j'l)'.!I■ 06-15-43 VictorC. Stockard 07-02-51 � JamesW. Lowe Ra�.Coclanan 02-01-60 LacyL. Nelson 06-06-66 Roderld.A. ames 05-01-19 J. W. Fesmire 09-08-26 William L. WalSOII 0IHfi.43 HoraceP. Browning 451 Henry L.Bowman �-18=51 08-08-60 ThomasJ. Gilmore 07-16-U Melvi■A. Manning 05-0J.79 RobertLee Warren =�09-13-26 Paul D. Wilson 09-15-43 LeslieH. Gupton Glenn R.Grogan 08-08-60 RobahLarry Andrei's 08-01� TimothyM. Patterson 05--01-79 H R.Grogan IMl-U ThomasA. H-to■ 0l--01-44 MaxG.Lamb OS-21'-'1 01-01-44 JamesA. Huffman 12-16-51 ThomasAlton Smith 08-08-60 JosephW. Tippett 12-01-66 JohnJ).Wrenn 07-01-79 J � W. Folllllala 10-20-26 Gordon M. Perry 08-16-60 WalterT. BrOWII 02-10."t ert')'\A.D,-.. 08-#-'t9 lo H. igblll 10.20-26 Ch.,inCh-,les , pok E.iuer 0Jr-01-44 Wallace C.Mabe 02-01-52 IMl-80 , Ol-01-44 DonaldW. Moore 02-01-52 RobertW. Warren 08-29-60 JamesW. Bullanl 07-01-67 DebraA•n Btdler H. oh� 11-07-26 Artli•O. an Ronald H. Reynolds IMl-80 . .l>allas u.os,;26 TroyB. ICendtlclt 03-01-44 LewisW. Parr 02-01-52 04-01-61 PerryA. Balcer 12-16-67 WadeGarre11 Foy C. F.Walker 02-15-27 CarlG. Burris OS-Ol-44 ShirleyM. Allen 06-04-52 Phillip P. Hockett 06-03-61 Michael D. Long 03-0f-68 Rkkf"R.Lambert 10-01-lle John R. Christopher 04-15-27 DeweyG. Fuller 06-01-44 JackB. Friddle 08-01-52 ArnoldW. Marlon 08-28-61 DavidE. Heath 04-16-68 Timolh)' D. Thompson 10-01-80 Parker D. Phillips 05-09-27 Norman L Straughn 06-15-44 SamuelA. Garrison 08-02-52 EltheiA. Nance 08-28-61 Julian S. Heney, Ill 08-19-68 Morris J. Davis 03-01-82 P.A. Bell 05-11-27 William L Leonard 08-15-44 GeorgeNorman Durham 12-08-52 Otis Jordan 08-30-61 Kenneth W.Gillis 09-23-68 Ricky L. Ingram 03-01-82 Walter L Hutchinson 06-15-27 ColemanC. Morrison 10-01-44 Jack L. Coble 05-16-53 LorenzoF. Benton 09-05-61 Joseph Harrison 11-19-68 Levi J. Jones 03-01-82 JohnA. Bell 08-01-27 Edwin S.Lee 02-01-45 C. L.Brite 08-01-53 PercyE. Bigelow 09-05-61 TIIMW.Weeks 11-19-68 Rita p. Smith 03-01-82 G.Dark 12-ISJ.27 J.W: Daniela 03-01-45 UwardJ.SI� 10-16-53 LeoM. Cantwell ff.OS.61 WIiiieR. McDowell � RandyliJefd J-&S C.Westbrook 01-03-28 JamesJ. Berry 08-ls.45 ..y D.Ceoke 03-17-54 Joseph J.CheslN IO-OS-61 TeMyE. Melvin 04-01-69 S--1D.Warren � WrennCos 03-21-28 Her"8D&J- 08-15-45 GeorgianaE. Byer 03-22-54 HaroldC. Coble 09-05-61 Wllll■mA. Archer ... 04-11-69 Kl.....,P. Co■li 09-24-16 N. M. Seabolt 09-15-28 Al•in C Purdy 09-ls.45 William P.Burnside 04-13-54 Howard F. Drake 09-05-61 HowanlE. Wood 08-04-(i9 CynlhiaD. Huber 11-15 JamesM. Royal lMI-28 Thomas J.Coffey 10-01-45 DomasH. S. Cox 10-01� ChulleH. Headenoi 02-IS-29 ElwoodI'. Hairr 10-01-45 BennieG, Wri&ht 04-01-55 D.C.Bu,-s U-01-45 JcrimW. Holland tS-01-55 L�Welker 0l-tl-29 Jr. West 03-01·29 1\1. foahee 0f-15-46 Lee ARoy .- N-01-55 H.8.Wilson 09-06-29 LPowe �Jr, 09-15-46 V11 n S.Berckman 07-J6-55 &l-01-30 C-harles T. alb th 08-01-47 BermuE.Re,■I .-.01-55 Henry-ClydeWatson = s Dennis L Maynard 01-18-30 RolandE. Scott 08-01-47 DwightC. Hick 09-16-55 John W.Staff 06-19-33 K.W. Maye 09-15-47 David F. Fulk 08-01-56 Charles McCready 09-15-34 JoeG. Lawson 09-21-47 Mahlon B. Hancock 08-01-56 EdgarW. McFarland 10-15-34 Carlton Summers 12-01-47 James R. Harrelson 08-01-56 GeorgeC. Wuchae 10-15-39 Harold D.Connor 01-16-48 A. F. D. Howell 08-01-56 ss G,!'.!'J!e H.Stubbins 12-01-39 Euli C.Whidield 01-16-48 WaymanM. Hyatt 08-01-56 i:':;&H. Price oi-� KelUleGL. 'Lankford 08-01-48 Paul A.Kerte) 08-41-56 History of the Greensboro tributed by men who hung around the station. It was stated that he drank the very best rye that was available ... one pint at a time! On July 13, I 899, Greensboro saw its last major fire of the 19th Fire Department: 1808 - 1990 Century when flames broke out in the Benbow House Hotel. Estimated at a costof$40,000 when it was built in 1871, the hotel 1808-1984 organization and Judge David Schenck was made its secretary. had been opened with ceremonies presided over by the Governor Under their leadership, the company had a large and strong of New York and former North Carolina GovernorZeb Vance. Greensboro, North Carolina was chartered in 1808. The first fire membership. The men were extremely committed to protecting When the fire was first spotted, someone on a nearby lo­ protection for the town was authorized by the General Assembly in their community. However, they still lacked adequate tools and comotive blew its whistle loudly to signal that firefighters were 1828. It was 1833, however, before an agreement could be reached money. needed. Volunteers from a hose company arrived first and concerning the type of protection and how it was to be enforced. At this same time, a group of prohibitionists were very strong in seemed prepared for quick control of the situation. By this time, Each household was ordered to have two ladders on its premise, one Greensboro. The city elections were drawing close. The pro­ some of the !coal citizens had begun to gather at the scene. When kept on the roof that would allow access from the ground to the hibitionists had made a strong bid for the support of the firefight­ they saw the "General Greene" rushing down the street some of eaves. Rubbish and nuisances were banned from the back yards. ers by promising that if their "dry" platform allowed a majority in the men "rared back with their thumbs in the button holes of their passed 47 men, with Frank D. Shaw as the chief until his death on William R. D. Lindsay and Police OfficerLogan were appointed to the City Council, they would purchase the group a steam fire vests" and commented proudly about the modem machine. Mur­ July 13, 1946. It was also during this time that a young 20 year old, enforce the new law which carried a $5 fine if the household had engine. The campaign was a very heated one. When the votes phy's Law seemed to be most prevalent that day, for no sooner Calvin W. "Moon" Wyrick joined the department. The first year failed to comply. were in and counted,it was found that the "wets" had won. Upon had the firefighters prepared the engine, when a vital part, the spea�s well for the �ew paid department. For in that year, a re­ In January 1849 Greensboro suffered its first fire of major con­ taking charge of the government, the "wets" proceeded to steal a airdome, blew out and left the machine totally useless. The duction of$200,000 m fire losses won firstplace for cities of our size sequence.This fire nearly destroyed the entire business community plank from the "dry's" platform. A steam fire engine was pur­ boasters of the crowd soon began fretting that the entire town, in the United States. of the town. J.B.Lossing, an author and historian recorded that the chased at once. This engine,known as the "General Greene,"was including the County Courthouse, might burn. But C. W. Lee, a In the next several years, the greatest single catastrophe ever to fire began in "a large frame dwellling a short distance from the put into service in I886. train dispatcher, came to the rescue by using a piece of leather and confront the Greensboro Fire Deparment was to take place. On a courthouse.There being no fireengine in the city, the flames spread Judge David Schenck was appointed chairman of a committee a length of timber to repair the airdome. The engine was back in Thursday evening, April 2, 1936, a tornado descended upon the city rapidly and at one time menaced the safety of the whole town. A keg in I888 to build a house for the "General Greene." A station service. Because of Lee, the town wassaved, but the multi-story from the southwest. It made its initial stab near the quarters of of powder was used without effect to demolish a tailor shop standing adjoining the old City Hall was erected at I 08 West Gaston Street, hotel was ruined, and its loss doubtlessly changed the future Engine Company No. 8 on West Lee Street. Sweeping with all the in the way of the conflagration towards a large tavern. The flames now West Friendly Avenue. Once the new station opened, horses appearance of downtown Greensboro. known fury of Mother Nature in her most destructive mood, the passed on until confronted by one of those broad chimneys on the were purchased. Motored vehicles gradually began replacing horse drawn ve­ funnel seared along West LeeStreet in an easterly directioncutting a outside of the house, so universally prevalent in the South, when it Fire protection grew as rapidly as the city and in 1890 the first hicles in 1913. Growing pains caused the city government to path of death and destruction never before witnessed by our city. was subdued, after four buildings were destroyed." hook and ladder company,housed at 209 South Davie Street was extend its boundaries in 1924. Fire protection services were also From a moment after 7:15 p.m. on through the night and well into Not surprisingly, soon after this event Greensboro officialsbought formed.This ladder truck 'waspulled by hand and had a tiller for affected. The city council authorized the sum of approximately the following day, all available firefighterslabored to fightfires in the a hand brake or pumping engine and put in two cisterns which guidance. One year later, the Eagle Hose Company No. 7 was $300,000 to be spent on fire department improvements. These demolished buildings. They also rescuedvictims who were trapped provided their new fire engine with a water supply. The first fire located adjacent to Hook and Ladder Company No. I. The improvements included the building and equipping of Station 7 under the debris. When the skies cleared, Greensboro had lost 13 company that manned this new engine was a totally volunteer Southside Hose Company No. 4 was organized in 1894 and was at the cornerof Church Street and Bessemer Avenue, Station 8 on citizens, 144 were injured and 289 buildings were damaged. Fifty-six organization composed mostly of prominent citizens of the com­ situated at the corner of Bragg and Asheboro Streets. The West West Lee Street, the renovation of Station 4 and 5, and also of these were destroyed. munity. End Hose Company No. 5 was organizedin 1897, and occupieda provided for the construction of "Central Station" at 3 I 8 North Until January I, 1941, firefightersworked four days in a row and In 1871 an attempt was made to further improve the town's building near the cornerof Spring and Mendenhall Streets. These Greene Street. were offone day. They were allowed to go home for meals and on firefighting capablilities with the addition of a hook and ladder buildings, though now abandoned, still stand. The last of the The formal opening of Greensboro's new "Central Fire Sta­ occasion, a volunteer would relieve a paid man in the evening so he company. The department was unsuccessful. In 1872 firedestroyed a volunteer companies formed was the Excelsior Hose Company tion" took place on May 15, 1926. The citizens of Greensboro could go home to his family. In January of 1941, 28 men were hired large portion of the town once again. This fire leveled the County No. 2. It was composed entirely of black citizens and was located turned out in masses to inspect the magnificentnew home for the to start a two platoon system. One platoon of men would work ten Courthouse, W. C. Porter's Drug Store, Farmer's Bank, Southern at the comerof Gaston and Elm Streets. A second more powerful four central fire companies. When the final details had been hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m. while the other shift would work Hotel and two rows of framed law offices. steam engine, built by T. S. LaFranceCompany, was purchased in completedand the doors thrown open to the public, Greensboro from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. These two platoons would switch The second major fire resulted in the organization of a second 1904. felt assured that no city could surpass this station. An elaborate working hours every six days. Eventually these two platoonsevolved volunteerfire company. This secondcompany was equipped with a Fire Departments have been traditionally and understandably alarm and recording system built be Gamewell Systems of New­ t� "A" and "B" shifts which worked 24 hours on duty and 24 hours "chemical apparatus, a double chemical engine equipped with two proud of their equipment. Before the turn of the century fire ton Falls, Massachusetts, was one of the major features of the new off duty. thirty-fivegallon chemical tanks." The original firecompany was in departments were equally as proud of their teams of horses. The station. With the implementation of this new system, the ringing On the evening of August 21, 1946, the citizens of Greensboro charge of this new equipment. These improvements were initially town of Greensboro was no exception. One horse in particular of the old bell in the city hall as a firealarm passed into history. learned that Captain Calvin W. Wyrick had been appointed Fire met with considerable enthusiasm but interest soon waned and in seems to have stood the test of time and is still remembered. About this same time, plans were in the making for an "all Chief. City Manager Henry A. Yancey,said uponhis appointmentof 1884 there were only fivemen in the chemicalengine company. This "Prince" was the most photographed and talked about horse of paid" department. This became a reality on June 1, 1926. The Chief Wyrick, "Captain Wyrick brings to this job not only youth and fiveman company was not only expected to fightfires but also had to the times. It was reported in the Raleigh Post in 1901 that the department was composed of eight companies which encom- vigor, but 20 years of experience and is eminently qualified for the hand pull their new engine on mostly unpaved streets. horse was given liquor after each fire call. The moneywas con- position. He might be fittinglytermed the boy veteran. He will be in It was at about this time that complete charge with no strings upon him and will have every Harper J. Elam, a young entre­ opportunity to use his knowledge andability for the department and preneur, moved to Greensboro the city." from Charlotte where he had ex­ In 1946 an incident occurred in Greensboro which brought the perience with a well organized city national attention when accounts of the story appeared in fire company. Mr. Elam quickly Reader's Digestmagazine. In July of that year a painter was at work determined that the young on a 360 foot radio tower at WBIG when an accident plunged him Greensboro was virtually de­ through a maze of crossbars and lodged him 310 feet above the fenseless. He convinced the cit­ ground. An alarm was sounded and Captain Roma C. Fortune and izens that the situation was in­ Firefighter Charles H. Henderson were dispatched to the scene. In viting a third disasterous fire. spite of the great height and difficulty in lowering the injured Interest resumed and Greens­ painter, these two firefighters made a successful rescue that day. boro formed a new volunteer or­ Their heroic action earnedthem the Coronet Award. Roma Fortune ganization that was to endure was later hiredas firechief for the city of Burlington. until the firedepartment went to In January of 1949, the City of Greensboro and the Fire De­ a paid effort in I 926. partment served as hosts to over 400 city officials and firefighters Dr. Ed Lindsay was elected fromcities and towns throughout three states for a demonstration of president of this new volunteer fivenew apparatus. These new trucks and the plans for two new fire stations were the result of a 1947 bond issue which gave the de­ partment$300,000 for improvements. The two new stations that this Southside Hose Company, year un- Unidentifiedfire. Old counhouse bell tower in background. Steamer Hose Company #I, 1907. known. 6 • l 7 money allowed the department to build were Station #3 on be Station #10 on High Point Road and Station #9 on Friendly warehouse at 503 South Spring Street when several dangerous chem­ Gate City were planned. On July 1st, R. L. Powell, Jr. became the Yanceyville Streetand Station #6 on Westover Terrace. Oncethese Avenue. In J 958 Stations 7, 9 and JO opened for business. All of icals exploded. When the firewas extinguished, firefighters faced the fourth Chief of the Fire Department since it became totally paid in stations were completed it gave Greensboro a total of seven stations, the stations were built at a cost of approximately $80,000 each dilemma of the warehouse's red label area where drums of explosive 1926. Chief Powell, who had designed the training programfor the ten companies and ninety-eightpersonnel. and in 1960 the city added Station # 11 on South Elm Street. material was stored. Adding to the problem was the fact that a department, stated he would continue present programs and begin The Fire Prevention Bureau of the department became a formal On Sunday morning,June 28, 1959, one of the largest and most chemical known as sodium hydrosulfite was stored within the fire plans for the pre-planning of major target hazards, an invalid iden­ division on August 16, 1950, when Captain Fred V. Trulove was put dangerous firesof the decade was started by a twelve year old boy area and next to flammable liquids. The hydrosulfitekept reacting tification program, improvements in firecoverage, and implemen­ in command of four full time inspectors. Duringtheir firstyear, the playing with matches in the lumber yards of New Home Building with water and prevented extinguishment. A solution was found. tation of Quick Response Vehicles. Fire Prevention Bureau cited and corrected 2,282 violations! Supply on South Mendenhall Street. A hot summer day, the The explosives were removed by a large crane and hauled away on In November of the same year, the department received the first 1950 brought another major change for the department. Captain temperature would eventually reach 96 degrees.One hundred and dump trucks. Class 2 fire insurance rating ever received by a city in North E. E. McDowell was named the first Training Officerof the Greens­ fifty firefighters and fifty volunteers battled the blaze all day. On July I, 1969, Chief C. W. Wyrick retired from the department Carolina.Greensboro was one of only a handful in the United States boro Fire Department. He received this m:w assignment aftercom­ Doctors set up an aid station near the scene of the fireand treated with 4 7 years of service. He was chief fortwenty-two of those years. with an equal rating. pleting a three month course of study at the New York City Fire over forty firefighters for heat prostration or smoke inhalation. His successor was G. C. "Buck" Wuchae. Chief Wuchae brought a In July of I 979, Station # I 6 was opened. With the addition of this College. This was also the time a memberof the department was sent Eighteen of those had to be taken to the hospital before the fire new look to the Greensboro Fire Department. This new look in­ station, 95% of the city is within a four minute response time of the out of state to school. He brought back advanced techniques of was brought under control around 5:00 p.m. cluded closed cabs on firefighting apparatus, no neck ties in the fire department. In 1980, Central Station was closed along with firefightingand implemented the first formal officer trainingcourse In 1961, the fire department was reorganized and expanded summer time, and "in-station" or work uniforms for the personnel. Station #3 and the two companies were consolidated at the newly ever conducted. In his first year of service the department totaled once again. With this expansion camethe relocation of Engine#4 Also on February 10, I 970, the three platoon system we currently constructed Station One on North Church Street. Also in the past 25,244 hours of training. On June 21, 1954, then Assistant Chief to 40 I Gorrell Street and the integration of the Greensboro Fire enjoy became a reality, which reduced work hours from 66 to 56 few years, we all have evolved from the term fireman to the term McDowell died of a heart attack while playing softball, at the age of Department with the hiring of twenty-eight black personnel to hours per week. firefighter with the addition of women to our ranks. 35. The successor to his position was George C. Wuchae. Robert L. man this new station. Newly formed TruckCompany #4 was also Tragedy struck both the City of Greensboro and the Greensboro Fire department leadership acknowledged that the best defensive Powell, Jr. was promotedto captainas Wuchae's assistant. housedthere. The city was dividedinto three districts. Battalion I Fire Department on December 31, 1969. Firefighter II Jesse C. Gray factors against the ravages of firewere fire prevention, fireeducation In I 951 two-way radios were installed in all vehicles of the de­ included all of the city west of Elm Street, and Battalion II all of became the first"in direct line of duty" fatalityever suffered by the and an efficient fire suppression force. The department had long partment. The Assistant Chief received a car to replace the pick up the city east of Elm Street. The Fire District was answered by the department when he "stepped from his position on the rear of the beenrecognized as having a well trained fire suppression force and a truck he had used to respond to calls. units at Central Station. At this time the department was com­ pumper (Engine Company #2) and thetruck was backed up causing proficient fireinspection unit. Fire education program development In 1952 experimentation with 11/2 inch hose to replace 21h inch prised of 193 men, 2 secretaries and 37 vehicles at ten stations. him to be thrown under the rear wheels." On February 20, 1970, a grew quickly in 1978-79. By 1980, Greensboro Fire Department hose as handlines began. Recording of all station activities in log In 1964, Station #5 was relocated to Friendly Avenue and memorial was dedicated to Gray when Station #8 on South Chap­ Community Service Programshad grown to thirteenand werebeing books began on February 22nd. The 65th Convention of the North Truck #5 was added to the complimentof emergency vehicles. In man Street was opened. delivered to every quadrant of the city. Carolina State Firemen's Association was held in Greensboro with 1965, the city gained a new fireinsurance rating of Class 3. Fire The 37th call of October 14, I 970, brought Greensboro the most Compassion and courage have been valued qualities among over 1,500 firefighters from242 cities in attendance. Chief"Moon" Communications was consolidated withthe Police Department's spectaculr night blaze ever remembered. All it took to spark the Greensboro firefighters since the department's inception. Never in Wyrick was elected as the new president of the association and the into the city's new Communication Operations.The firefighters event was a cigarette negligently left on a bale of cotton at the our history were these qualities put to the testmore than on March 2, department unveiled its new $8,000 power unit. work week was shortened in 1967 from 72 to 66 hours and a new Greensboro Bonded Warehouse. All off-duty and on-duty firefight­ 1981. Two major firesin 1953 caused the city to suffer its first annual ers eventually responded to the blaze at which twenty-four ex­ While combating a fire in an abandoned church at 3 732 Spring fireloss of over a half million dollars. The Kinney Shoe Storeat 230 plosions took place in the first hour. Firefighters could not halt the Garden Street, Firefighter II Glenn R. Johnson was electrocuted South Elm Street caught fireon March 5th, and experienceda loss of rapidlyspreading flames. The brick and wood structure at 216 North when the aerial ladder he was on hit a high voltage wire that was $ I42,000. On July 18th, an explosion at Graino Mill causeda severe CedarStreet was a $1,700,000 loss. believed to have been disconnected by the power company. Im­ fire which needed eight companies to bring it under control. Final In I973, the department was restructured to three battalions with mediately,the ladder was loweredto the ground. Johnson's heart had losses at the mill cameto over $90,000. the completionof Station 12 on Pisgah Church Road and Station 14 stopped beating. Firefighters Charlie A. Jones and R. Michael Hen­ More changes came in 1954. On January 20th, a former Assistant on Summit Avenue. ley were among the first to reach Johnson and they began re­ Chief, Paul B. Shaw, brotherof Frank Shaw, was the firstrecipient of On February 5, 1976, the departmental organization was again suscitation efforts. Through the use of cardio-pulmonary resusci­ the GreensboroSupplementary Retirement Fund. The first captain's restructured after the completion of Station I 5 in 1975 to ac­ tation, Henley and Jones were able to sustain the life of Glenn examination was given for those members of the department with commodate Battalion Commanders and DistrictChief assignments. Johnson until more advanced care could be provided and within ten years of service.The first ten week training programwas begun The department at this time was comprised of 13 stations and 20 fire weeks,Johnson was back doing the job he so loves to perform. for newly organized auxiliary firefighters with fourteen becoming companies. Stations 5, 7, and 8 were also named battalion head­ It was said that the test pilots of the 1950s and 60s had an certified on October 26th. The Greensboro Life Saving and Rescue quarters and this was done to balance protective coverage of rapidly undefined quality called "The Right Stuff." This quality enabled Squad, a volunteer organization, held a national convention in growing outlying areas and provide the best use of manpower. them to push the laws of gravity and human physical enduranceto Greensboro. Greensboro's firefighters have answered calls over the years that the limit. For all intents and purposes, this quality has never been In May 1956, two major fires accounted for over $350,000 in have had consequences that were far more sobering than the loss of scientifically understood.We in our department have a synonym for losses. The firstof these occurredon May 14th, when the Starrnount property. Such was the case on August 13, 1973, when seconds after "The Right Stuff"- "Firefighter." Country Club's clubhouse was virtually destroyed by a 3:00 a.m. fire. I:50 a.m., flames suddenly engulfed an attractive brick house at 3204 1985-1990 Five days later the Greensboro Motor Company truck garage burst Dreiser Place. An explosion was heard by neighbors and the fire into flames when a repairmanignited gasoline inside the garage with department was called. Fifteen firefightersbattled the stubbornblaze On the night of April 13, 1985, the city experienced the largest an acetylene torch. Although several vehicles were destroyed by the foran hour. A search of the debrisrevealed what was feared;all three conflagration of this century and possibly the city's history. It was a fire,no one was injuredand an $11,000 fire engine belonging to the occupants of the home were dead. The three apparently died of mild night with temperaturesin the low 60s and a clear sky. The area Pinecroft - SedgefieldFire Department was saved. smoke and heat and although the cause was never determined, the involved, located in the 300 block of South Davie Street, was being In October of 1956 the new $200,000Training and Maintenance Firefighterstraining on Old Central Station drill tower. blaze was considered accidental. extensively renovated through a highly publicized development proj­ Center was opened at 1512 North Church Street to a probationary A firein the O'Henry Hotel on January 15, 1976, probably helped ectcalled Greensborough Court. Most of the buildings in the area class of eighteen recruits under the direction of Training OfficerR. job classification was formed. The new classification carried a change the faceof Greensboromore than any other major blaze since were part of an old textile district built in the late 19th century L. Powell, Jr. The lone mechanic, Assistant Chief H. G. Ballinger, rankof "Firefighter II." the burningof the Benbow House Hotel in 1899. Firefightersbattled originally occupied by Dixie Belle Textile Company. The Green­ was given two assistants and the Fire Prevention Bureau grew from Nearly everyone who was in Greensboro in the 60's remembers severesmoke conditions and cold in order to extinguish a blaze that sborough Court Project was intended to transform the area into a the four original inspectors to eight plus a secretary. McClure'sSteak House at 900 Summit Avenue. Many remember was confined to Room 501 and the outer hallway. An elderly tran­ large downtown residential, retail and office complex. The addition of the new recruit class alloweda reduction in weekly Halloween night 1968, when fire destroyed it and three other sient worker who was staying in the room died during the fire, but Police officers and fireinspectors had long known that the build­ work hours from 84 to 72 and increased the department to 120 men nearby businesses; Straughn's Book Store, Bridges Furniture over 30 persons wererescued from the structure. The manager of the ings were frequented by vagrants who used the old abandoned manning ten companiesand twenty-fivepieces of apparatus. Store and the Glidden Paint Center. Five and a half years later on h

8 •' 9 Fire companies were dispatched and on the scene within two been committed to the scene, mutual aid assistance had been ganization and objectives to ensure the quality of servicesto the spot fires around them, the aftermath of the passing fireball. They minutes. Engine 4 arrived first and reported heavy black smoke provided from county units to fightthe fire as well as provide city citizens and of the work environment for employees. were able to work their way back across the first floor and out the coming from the secondfloor of the old Dixie Belle Building. Shortly coverage for units at the fire scene.At the height of the fire, the An employee survey was initiated to assess current operations front door. As fellow firefighters desperately prepared for a rescue after, Engine 4 also reported smoke coming from the building next water application rate exceeded8,000 gallons per minute. against the values and objectives of the "Mission Statement". attempt, facing a greatly intensified fire, the two suddenly appeared. door. Investigationof the fire was hampered by the sheer size of the Each department established their own committees to work with Firefighters Gentry and O'Brien were examined on the scene and management The detailed fire investigation report submitted after the fire by area involved and residual heat along with smoldering firesin the to evaluate the survey results and lay out specific miraculously found to have only minor injuries and returned to Captain Harold Hall revealed that the fire had begun quite some buildings remains. Firefigtherswere kept on the scene for eleven strategies for improving overall operations. The Fire Department duty. Captain Smith was not so lucky. He had suffered burns to the time before the arrival of fire units and had spread into a second days to pour water on the remains and extinguish spot fires. Committee worked for eight months and a plan was presented to back of his neck and ears with severe burninjuries to his left hand as employees in June of 1987. It is believed that the impact of this he was caught in the flashover. He was taken to the hospital for building, where flamesand smoke were visible to the first fireunits On April 19th investigators found the remains of the only and where firefighting operations were begun. The original fire victim of the fire in the debris of the original fire building. The plan will be felt for years in the department. Many of the changes treatment and had to undergo considerableoutpatient treatment and building had entered a smoldering state and was near backdraft victim was positively identified from old chest x-rays to be 35 in our department described in this history are a direct result of therapy for the bums to his hand before he could return to duty. conditions. year old Rozell Bryant. Captain Hall's report stated the victim's the Mission Statement effort. Firefighter Rick Ingram was also treated at the hospital that day Within seven minutes of the arrival of the first unit, Battalion location indicated he wasasleep on a mattress kept there for that Several calls reporting a fireat A-1 Rentals, 510 N. Elm Street, for debris in his lefteye. Chief D. D. Shumate called for a second alarm. One minute later purpose. He was a smoker and had been drinking alcohol. The were received by the Greensboro Emergency Communications The fire did considerable damage to the front portion of the crews operating in the interior, under the direction of Captain Ed probable cause of fire was determined to be from a carelessly Center on the morningof February 15, 1987. One of thesecallers building which housed Party Makers and Eastern Costume Com­ was Frank Perdue, an employee of Hanes Lineberry Funeral pany. Some of the costumes destroyed or damaged in the fire Sawyer, observed extreme fire conditions in multiple floors and discarded cigarette igniting burlap bags of cloth strips stored in indicators of a pending backdraft. These crews withdrew from the one of the buildings. Fire spread is attributed to delayed de­ Services, located across the street from the A-1 building. Mr. included one of a kind costumescreated for MGM Studio. interior as the fire rapidly advancedand Chief Shumate, the Incident tection, large amounts of combustiblesstored in the buildings and Perdue stated he saw a vapor in the rear of the Party Makers The investigation, conducted by Captain M. L. Borders, was Commander, began defensive operations. At 11:17 p.m. he advised a large fire door left open between the first two buildings in­ section of the building. He immediately called the report in and hampered by winter weather,including sleet, and unsafe structural the fire now had involved three or four buildings and called for volved. then went outside. He saw heavy smoke coming from a second conditions. The finalreport however, concluded that the firestarted additional resources. This fire received national attention and was reported in an floorwindow. in paper storage around and possibly against the gas furnaces.Loss The most fearful moment of the night was at 11:27 p.m. when a article authored by Assistant Chief B. C. Cox and published in Mr.Taft Turneralso reported the fire from a phone booth as he estimates were placed at approximately $450,000. violent backdraft occurred in the original fire building. The ex­ Firehouse Magazine. was going home from work at Piedmont Parking. Mr. Taft re­ In a letter to the editor published in the Greensboro News and plosion blew both the front and rear walls out into the streets and Soon afterthe Davie StreetFire, Chief Powell, convinced of the ported smoke coming from the top of the building and seeing Record on March 7, 1987, Frank Perdue praised the department for completely covered the area in smoke and dust. Bricks and other need for a fireground management system, authorized the Train­ flamesin some second floor windows. the superb job they did on this fire.He said, "I have never seen a material were lying all around. Medical assistance was immediately ing Division to implement standard operating procedures for an The firstfire units were dispatchedat 8:12 a.m. Battalion Chief more precision team of experts work so uniformly together. I was requested in fear that personnel were injured or lost. It was de­ Incident Command System. An extensive six month training D. D. Shumate reported they were met by heavy smoke and fire very proud of each and every one of them ...We are very fortunate to termined within a few minutes that several firefighters hadreceived program began in March with full field implementation on Oc­ showing in several secondfloor windows. An offensive attack was have this team in our community." injuries but were reentering the battle to fight the fire now openly tober 1, I986. begun. Fire Chief R. L. Powell formally announced his retirement in­ involving several buildings and sending flameshundreds of feet into On January I, I986 the city of Greensboro set aside funds for a Captain D. B. Nelson and Captain Ralph Sutton reported the tentions during the summer of 1987. Chief Powell had begun his the air. matching annuity for firefighters with the city's contribution downstairs storage areas were clear when their crews began their service with the department on September 15, 1946. He left on At 11:33 p.m., while additional alarms were being deployedon the amounting to 3% of the firefighter's salary. Employees began attack. They advanced a l 'h" handline. The crews moved up a September 30, 1987, after 41 years of service with the city. Chief scene the fire blew over the heads of the firefighters and entered a making contributions in December. The city contribution for metal stairway to the second floor.When they reached the door­ Powell's impact uponthe department throughout his careeris lasting large building across the street. This fireadvanced at an unbelievable firefighters was raised to 5% in January of 1989. way at the top of the stairs they encounteredextreme heat. and measurable. His efforts in the areaof fireservice training have rate through the structure where all four floorswere open and framed July 11, I 986 marked the passing of an individual whose Truck 4 and Squad 2 personnel had entered the front of the left his thumb print on this department as well as the state. Many for partition walls as a part of the renovation. influence on the department is still commented on today, nearly building with a 3" handline and were trying to get to the involved innovations were begun under his administration, including public Before the fire was announced under control at 2:36 a.m., seven 22 years after his retirement. Fire Chief Calvin Weatherly area. Truck 5 was sent to the roof to ventilate but conditionsthere fire education and the squad concept for medical assistance re­ buildings had become involved extending to both sides of Davie "Moon" Wyrick lead this organization longer than any other Fire were deteriorating rapidly with the fire beginning to vent itself. sponse. Streetand consuming most of the 300block. The firehad threatened Chief in our history. He servedin that officefor 22 years. Truck 5 was ordered from the roof just in time to avoid possible A historic day for emergency respondersin the City of Greensboro to extend to Elm Street,but units positionedon that side and a shift Chief Wyrick was appointed as a paid firefighter when this disaster. Due to extreme fire conditions on the second floor and was July 31, 1987, when an Enhanced 911 emergency telephone in the wind direction stopped the fire'sadvance. At this time much organization became fully career on September 1, 1926. The heat build up on the firstfloor, ChiefShumate ordered units to service went into operation. By dialing 9-1-1 on their telelphone, a fire remained but was effectively contained in all sectors. previous five years had been spent as a volunteer. He was ap­ assume defensive positions and calledfor additional alarms. citizen anywhere in Guilford County could immediately reach an As the operation had escalated, Battalion Commander C. N. pointed by the city council as fire chief on August 21, 1946 and As personnel were leaving the building a flashoveroccurred in emergency call taker who could route the caller to whatever emer­ Haigler had been called and assumed command of overall firefight­ retired from the position on July 1, 1969. He was honoredfor his the area that Truck 4 and Squad 2 were vacating. Firefighter Rick gency service agency was required. This system also allows the ing operations.Fire Chief R. L. Powell responded and coordinated progressive leadership by the council in a resolution for his Gentry was blown out of the front door while Captain Lonnie dispatcher to identify what address the call is coming from in the an overall Command Post near the scene. Ninety-six firefightershad "devoted and distinguished serviceto the City of Greensboro." "Chuck" Smith and Firefighter Richard O'Brien were trapped event the caller is unable to communicate. His fire service accomplishments were many. He held several inside. In August of 1987, Walter Frank Jones was named by City Man­ offices in the International Association of Fire Chiefs and was Captain Smith recalls his crew operating on the second floor ager Bill Carstarphen as Fire Chief Designate. He assumed full elected President of that organization in September of 1967. He with a hose line. He had begun to send his personnel out of the responsibility as Fire Chief on October l, 1987. Chief Jones had also served as President of the Southeastern Fire Chiefs As­ area as their air pak alarms went off. Firefighters Souther and joined the department on August l, 1956. He was promoted to sociation and North Carolina Firemen's Association. He was a Gentry had already headed out. His own pak alarm went off Captain on November I, 1967 and Battalion Chief on February I, member of the International Fire Service Training Association indicating low air supply. He and FirefighterO'Brien started to 1979. and was an Executive Board Member of the Oklahoma State leave the area and had reached the stairway following the hose On August 16, 1980, Chief Jones was promoted again and as­ University Training Manuals Association. This last group de­ line out. Captain Smith had been unable to copy any com­ sumed responsibility for the departmental training program as Fire veloped the "RedBooks" that became so universal to fireservice munications on his portable radio and thought the channel se­ Training Supervisor. Chief Jones' influence in training led the de­ training. lector may have been in the wrong position. He removed his left partment through updating equipment and training for flammable Chief Wyrick's personal accomplishmentsmay have surpassed glove to better check his radio when a large fireball came from liquids and hazardous materials response. The recruit training pro­ his professional.He servedas Director and President of the Polio below and engulfedthem on the stairway. gram was expanded to 16 weeks to include hazardous materials, Society for over 20 years. He was a Directorand President for the Somehow, Captain Smith was able to maintain self control public fire education and stress management. The first training of Cerebral Palsy School. He wasa member or officerof nearlyevery although he admits being frightened. In an interview with this personnelfrom other firedepartments began under his supervision. fraternal or civic organization in the city and chairednearly every writer he recalled thinking, "How can I get out? I'm out of air. His final assignment before being appointed Fire Chief was Bat­ fund drive held. In 1960 he was the Honorary Chairman of the Will I be able to make it all the way across this building and find talion Commander of Battalion 2. Greater Greensboro Open Golf Tournament.These are amazing another way out?" Captain LarryCockman was named N.C. State Firefighter of The accomplishments for a man who completed only an elementary The fireball had passed over them and continued up the stair­ Year at the August, 1987 meeting of the N. C. State Firemen's school education. way to the next floor. The pair crawled back up the step to the Association. A Greensboro firefighterhad received this award only In 1986 City Manager Bill Carstarphen set into action events nozzle and attempted to communicate by radio with anyone oncebefore, in 1975, when R. L. Powell was named. that would dramatically affect the management and operations of outside. Although he found the radio positioned correctly, the The largest flammable liquids fire ever experienced by the de­ transmissions were not making it to the outside. partment receivednational attention in an article written by Bradley Davie Street conflagration, April 13, 1985. the department. He began a series of meetings for the entire city organization resulting in the publication of a "Mission State­ Due to the lack of air supply Captain Smith decidedto attempt C. Cox and Paul D. Brooks, published in Fire Chief Magazine. going backdown the steps to the firstfloor. They observedseveral ment" for the city; placing in writing the values of the or- Excerpts from the article serve to describe the event. • 10 • 11 October 30, 1987 was a day like any other day in Greensboro, before giving the signal. Although the problems of a water shortage due to the main break North Carolina. Charles Singer, a train engineer for the Norfolk­ Much of the original 14,000 gallons of fuel involved - 8,000 earlier in the day caused considerable concern, no shortage to SouthernRailway was at the controls of a 57 car freight train passing gallons of gasoline from the tanker and 2,000 gallons of fuel loaded firefightingunits was experienced due to quick action by city Water through Greensboro. The train was moving slowly along a dangerous on board each locomotive- was still pooled on the ground. In all, a Department officials and effective planning by fireofficials. section of track next to a large bulk petroleum depot known locally as total of 1,100 gallons of foam concentratewas used. The Greensboro City Council passed a local ordinance on April the tank farm. Each of the three locomotives of his train carried After fire control was achieved, two searches were conducted 28, 1988, allowing fire inspectors to write citations for violations of 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel. inside the locomotives for the missing railroad crew member. Both the firecode. A $25 fineis assessed along with each citation written. Anthony Crawford, a tractor-trailer driver forBralley-Willet Tank attempts proved fruitless. Eventually, a search of the perimeter In 1988, after extensive study and consideration, the department Lines of Greensboro, had just taken on a cargo of 8,000 gallons of around the locomotives was also conducted and there, under a responded to considerable growth and change with its first major unleaded gasoline shortly after noon at a loading facility near the blanket of foam between the three locomotives and the burnedshell reorganization in 12 years. The reorganization was driven by both Norfolk-Southern railroad tracks. Half an hour later, Crawford of the tanker's cab, the body of Paul Cruise was found. The 39 year basic service delivery and management/control issues. Results of the pulled his rig out onto a crossing at Chimney Rock Road, where he old conductor had apparently attempted to jump clear of the train reorganization included the implementation of a fourth battalion was held up by blocked traffic at the intersection of West Market after the collision, but was overcomeby intense flames and smoke. and improved utilization of manpower and apparatus. Two older Street. He was forced to stop with his tanker straddling the tracks. On November 6, 1987, Charles Singer also died as a result of the pieces of apparatus were replacedby apparatus previously serving in Several vehicles pulled up behind him. He had no place to go. burns he received in the fiery crash, which covered over 70% of his an ancillary status. A few minutes before 1:00 p.m., the lead locomotive of the body. Restructuring of departmental hierarchy effected a more func­ Southern Railway freight train smashed into the gasoline tanker, This incident could have resulted in even greater damage and loss Foam blanket covers remains of train/tanker collision and fire. tional approach to the management of the organization. This re­ splitting it in two. Gasoline was thrown back over the locomotives of life if it had not been for the program of prior planning and structure is most readily seen in the establishment of four major and the scene exploded into what witnesses termed a huge fireball. equipment procurement by the Greensboro Fire Department. Ac­ ;....._- divisions - Administrative Services, Emergency Services, Preven­ Almost instantly, a thick plume of smoke rose over the scene and cording to Chief Frank Jones, "Our foresight in preparing for di­ tion Services, and Resource Management - to implement and created a pall that could be seen for miles. sasters like this one paid off. Ifwe hadn't had the truck (foam engine) manage department operations, programs, and services. The re­ At 12:55 p.m. the firstalarm was sounded by the GreensboroFire and other foam equipment, we couldn't have handled this incident." prehensive of its kind he had seen in his career in city man­ organization was also perceived by management as a positive and Department, Engine 19 was dispatched, and proceeded toward t�e After occupying temporary quarters for some time, new Fire agement." therapeutic response to communications issues. scene of the collision. Stations I 7 and 19 were opened. Station 17 opened its doors on In the early morning of March 21, 1988 a large section of As a result of the reorganization, 15 new positions were created Fire officials had been aware the Chimney Rock Road crossing November 9, 1987 at 4504 Lake Brandt Road. Station 19 was roadway was found collapsed, large enough for a car to fall into, within the department which will generate additional opportunities presented many potential hazards. Much of the area around the opened a few weeks later, at 6900 Downwind Road, on December near the intersection of West Smith and Hill Streets. An old water for future careeradvancement. It should be noted that management petroleum depot had recently been annexed into the city. During the 14, 1987. main had broken during the night and allowed six million gallons initiatives allowed the implementation of reorganization without the time that annexation was pending, the department had made prep­ Chief Jones recognizedearly in his adminstration that a change in of water to drain from the city's water supply. The Fire De­ need for any additional personnel. arations to provide protection in case of a flammable petroleum management style was necessary to implement many of the non­ partment was immediately notifiedand contingency planning was Many management initiatives were implemented which provided emergency. traditional initiatives required to manage a large organization in begun in the event a fireoccurred before repairs could be made. a more efficient utilization of resources and improved service de­ Each engine company had been equipped with at least one 95 gpm today's fire service.In February of 1988 a management retreat was Other water sources within the city were identifiedand a request livery system. The first phase of installation for an Opticom traffic Akron in-line foam eductor, 25 gallons of 3%-6% foam and eithera organized, a first for the department, to address and define man­ for county tanker units to be available if needed was made. signal control system, giving priority pre-emptionfor fireemergency National Foam JS-10 foam nozzle or an Elkhart foam tube. At the agement changes. Results of this retreat were the Departmental Repairs to the water main were moving quickly and it was hoped traffic was accomplished in June. A divisional responsibility for center of the department's foam arsenal was Engine 100, a new Mission Statement and a Management Philosophy designed to de­ that no major event would occur. It seems inevitable that fate plans review and approval was created within Fire Prevention Serv­ National Foam 1250 gpm foam pumper purchased only a few fine organizational values and guide management through a period would choose this day for a majordowntown fire. ices with the assignment of a bureau officerto this function. months before. This dual purpose pumper was equipped with a fully of change and growth. The scope of the retreat process was extended Jan Scott works in Congressman Howard Coble's offices lo­ In May of 1988 a police detective was assigned to the Fire automatic Servo Command foam proportioning system and a split to the Company Commander level to include personnelmanagement cated in the Federal Courthouse Building, now known as the L. Prevention Bureau to work with a pilot arson project. A certification 1000 gallon tank for 750 gallons of foam concentrate and 250 gallons and leadership. Richardson Preyer Federal Courthouse, at 324 West Market program for Fire Equipment Operator was implemented in 1988 of water. Due to the foresight of the Greensboro Fire Department, The Greensboro Firefighters Association was formed during the' Street. Ms. Scott reported to Fire Investigator Bill Foust that she along with pay reclassificationof those individuals who successfully this engine was on-line and fully loaded with750 gallons of foam. summer over the central issue of Greensboro's method of admin­ was standing at a window lookingout to the street and saw smoke met the certification and were assigned as Fire Equipment Op­ Within seconds after the dispatch of Engine 19 by the Com­ istering requirementsof the Fair LaborStandards Act as it applied to puffing outside. She opened the window and looked up to see the erators. munications Center, Fire Battalion Chief J. W. Teeters, in Car I, firefighters. The FLSA issue had been a hot one even prior to the air conditioning unit in the window above blowing out smoke. As immediately instructed Communications to dispatch a full first Mission Statement process. The association was rechartered on June she watched she saw the unit start to come apart and fall to the alarm and to include Engine 100. 30, I 988 as Local 947 of the International Association of Firefight­ ground. The window above was located in the offices of Judge Upon his arrival at the scene, Battalion Chief Teeters' initial ers. This was the third chartering of this local since the original on Eugene Gordon. As she went to pull the firealarm, it sounded off report confirmed heavy fire involving the remnants of the gasoline November 4, 1947. The current and previous Fire Chiefs had both as someoneelse activated the alarm. tanker and three locomotives at the intersection of the tracks and servedas Presidents of the Local. Fire units were dispatched at I :07 p.m. and upon arrival Chimney Rock Road. The driver of the tanker and three of the The association is currently representing employees in two law­ observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the third floor train's fourman crew were found. The fourth, Paul Cruise, was not. suits over FLSA and a captain's promotional process. One of its most windows on the southwest cornerof the building. Battalion Chief It was feared he was still inside one of the locomotives. visible activities is an in-school drug education program called D. C. Waller arrived on the scene and continued the interior Within three minutes of his arrival, Teeters had a second alarm "Better Things To Do." attack begun by initial units on the scene. As additional resources dispatched along with EMS and Police. Battalion Commander R. K. A direct result of the Mission Statement Process,in March of 1988 were called, Battalion Commander C. E. Hilliard arrived and Flowers also responded with the secondalarm. the Greensboro Fire Department, withguidance and participation of assumed overall command of the operation. Assistant Chief Flowers, in Car 4, had the Mobile Command Post the Manager's Resource Management Division, established a com­ Hundreds of downtown workers on their lunch hour watched respond to a parking lot adjacentto the scene.There he establisheda mittee to conduct a manpower allocation study. The mission of this from sidewalks and other offices as firefighters moved quickly support command post from which various agencies collaborated committee was to review the mission of the Greensboro Fire De­ into the involved building. As he returned from his lunch Judge throughout the evening and well into the next day. partment, how resources were being allocated, determine what doc­ Gordon joined those watching from the street. He and two aides About 15 minutes into the operation, Teetersfelt comfortablewith umentable impacts drive the organization, and make specific rec­ reported leaving for lunch around 12:30 p.m. and did not notice line placements and flowrates, but he was becoming concernedwith ommendations that would improve the efficient and effective anything unusual. They were sure of lockingthe office area as they runoff in several directions from the incident. This area is the delivery of services to the citizens of Greensboro. The central em­ left. � - breaking point betweenthe watersheds of Greensboro and the near­ phasis was placedupon the availability of personnel on the firescene Captain Lonnie "Chuck" Smith and his crew made the initial - -- by City of High Point. He requested mutual aid response from and any operations of any division. or activity that impacted upon it. attack into the area of the Judge's chambers where the flame Truck S Guilford College Fire Department for diking and confinement of The purpose of this committee and its resultant study report was involvement was found. The main door to the area was found gasoline and diesel fuel runoff. not to simply make manpower requests. The committee evaluated locked and had to be forced open to gain entry. Firefighter Jeff The Guilford College Fire Deparment is a combination depart­ the entire system and determined the effective or deficientimpact of Souther found an open door in the back corridor and entered After receiving many requests from both the public and em­ ment that had served this particular area for years prior to the city's each part upon the availability of personnelon the emergency scene. through it. ployees, Chief Jones requested a study of apparatus colors. In the annexation. Their efforts were both professional and decisive. The results of the committee'sstudy were published in September of The firewas brought under control within the hour and Captain early 70s Greensboro responded to an industry wide move to change At approximately 1:53 p.m., nearly an hour after the incident 1988 and included many recommendations, all of which are de­ Foust began his investigation. The investigation was taken over from red to a brighter color for fireapparatus. The departmentchose occurred, the signal "under control" was transmitted. The flames pendent upon each other to build a total system of organizational by Federal officersand no report of cause was made available, but yellow and over a ten year period nearly the entire fleet changed had actually been knocked down in approximately 25 minutes, but improvement in service delivery. Bill Carstarphen, the City Man­ many sources suspect arson. The loss was estimated to be over. The new study showed that benefits nationwide, of alternate Teeters wanted to be certain the incident was totally under control ager, stated in a staff review, "that this study was the most com· $1,000,000. colors, were negligible due to universal public acceptance and rec-

12 13 50 ognition of the color red for fire trucks. The new color scheme potential hazardous materials unit members. New equipment was contract in 1989 were Colfax Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Sustained winds were measured in excess of MPH. The height of selected was a traditional red body with white top. Truck 5, due for a purchased including suits, monitoring equipment, and tools. District #14, Deep River Volunteer Fire Department, and activity occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. when the Fire body renovation was the firstapparatus repainted the new colors and The most significant move to expand hazmat response ca­ Pinecroft-SedgefieldVolunteer Fire Department. Department responded to over 100 hurricane related calls. effectson morale was immediate. The public expressed considerable pability occurred on the same day as the closing of Station 6. The As the result of a study on service demand and in response to The storm left the city as suddenly as it arrived. By late afternoon support for the returnto red through the media. existing hazardous materials team members were transferred to the recommendations of the Manpower Allocation Study, the the skies were clear and the sun shone bright. Department personnel October 15, 1988 marked the date of the first Medals and Awards Fire Station 16. Truck 19 was relocated to Station 16. These two four squads were relocated in November of 1989 to place them were exhausted and still recovering, however, from the largest fireof Ceremony for the department where outstanding performance for companies became the new Hazardous Materials Team. closer to their high demand areas while still providing adequate the year which occurred during the night as Hugo approached the departmental members was honored. This firstceremony was held in The second annual Medals and A wards Ceremony was held on city wide coverage. This move reflected a change in traditional city. the auditorium at the Fire Training Center. The department's newly October 8, 1989 in the Town Hall Auditorium. This year's pro­ deployment concepts of fire apparatus that generally considered At 11: 14 p.m. on September 21, 1989 fire units were dispatched to formedHonor Guard opened the ceremony by presenting the colors. gram was unique in that nominations for all awards were accepted distance alone forresource placement. 500 Broome Road, LaRoche Industries, Inc. The fire was spotted Deputy City Manager Jim Baugh served as Master of Ceremonies for any event that had occurred during the individual's career. The Opticom Traffic Signal Control System, giving priority from nearby Interstate 40/85 by passersby. LaRoche Industries man­ while Assistant Chief Bradley C. Cox provided remarks. The awards This would be the only retroactive opportunity for recognition pre-emption forfire emergency trafficwas continued in the spring ufactures fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, mostly for home and were presented by Chief Jones. given by the selection committee. of I 989. A total of 33 intersections were now equipped with golf course use. Skip Nix and Danny Lynch each received two Commendations; The Master of Ceremonies for the program was Paul D. Brooks Opticom equipment. The emphasis for site selection was on those Captain J. T. Richie of Engine Company 11 reported that a large Gary Chandler, Curtis Gaulden, Jeff Souther, Chris Hairr, Chris with an invocation by Carl M. Eller. Remarks were given by intersections identified as high hazard and the establishment of amount of fire was visible from some distance away as his company Bowman (2) and Ray Cooke (2) received the Medical Life Saving James F. Wright III, Assistant City Manager and the Keynote corridors on high traffic, high hazard roadways. Corridor in­ responded. He called for a second alarm before arriving on the scene Award; Chris Hairr and JeffSouther received the Life Saving Medal. Speaker was the Honorable J. Howard Coble, United States stallations begun this year were High Point Road and Battle­ based upon the amount of flames showing and his knowledge of the Chief Frank Jones was nominated and selected by fellow employees Congressman. Medals and Awards were presented by Fire Chief ground Avenue. facility. Units began defensive operations immediately upon arrival as the Employee of the Year. In continuation of a departmental philosophy to recognize as they found over half of the huge wood framed bag storage area In 1988, the department was staffed by 346 personnel. The ma­ specialized responsibilities and enhance career development op­ fullyinvolved with fire. jority of those personnel manned 16 fire stations. Operating out of portunities, a salary supplement was introduced in January of The building burned into the early morning, going to a thrid those stations were 18 engine companies, 5 aerial/ladder companies, J 989 for those individuals assigned as Medical/Rescue Tech­ alarm, and was fanned by strong winds of approaching Hurricane and l aerial platform. Four Quick Response Vehicles, or Squads, nicians on the squads. Such an incentive was in line with the Hugo. Units were kept on the scene well into the next day to control provided basic life support and some companies operated other previous year's establishment of the Fire Equipment Operator and extinguish spot and smoldering fires. The cause of the fire specialized equipment such as a foam engine, pumper-tanker com­ position. remains undetermined due to the extreme damage in the area of bination, brush truck, mobile air unit, etc. ,' A schedule of user fees was adoptedby City Council in July that origin. The loss was estimated at nearly $4,000,000. The year 1989 was another of change for the organization as it generated additional revenue for some fire service activities. continued to respond to shifts in the fire service industry, com­ Those activities included plans review, prevention reinspections, munity, and service demand. A Manpower Allocation Study was hazardous materials response and fire reports. begun the previous year. This study included a three phase im­ An in service firefighter certification program was begun in plementation of recommendations to begin during 1989. The first 1989 that will result in Firefighter III Certificationin accordance two phases were completed, including the closing of a fire station; with NFPA 1001 and the North Carolina State Fire Commission. redeployment of existing personnel and equipment;reduction of the The program is run in cooperation with Guilford Technical number of squad personnel by six, line company commanders by Community College, which provides the instructors and the area three, and fireequipment operators by three. Fire Service Training Coordinator, who monitors and verifiesthe Fifteen new personnel were approved and hired in July of 1989. program. These personnel completed their training process and were deployed On May 6, 1989 a series of storms swept across the state from in Emergency Services in November. The impact of new personnel east to west spawning tornadoes that touched down in a number along with redeployment of existing resources upon the availablilty of cities doing a tremendous amount of damage. Winston-Salem of firefighterson the sceneof an emergency was dramatic. and Raleigh were hit especially hard. Although no tornado was Prior to implementation of any of the study's recommendations, officially reported in Greensboro, severe winds and thunder­ the average manpower response to a residential fire was nine per­ Station #6, "Gone But Not Forgotten." storms with heavy electrical activity lashed the city. During the sonnel. After second phase implementation this number increased to day the department responded to 83 storm related events in­ Fonner Deputy City ManagerJim Baugh. twelve while actually reducing the number of firstline apparatus and Frank Jones and Assistant Chief Richard F. Johnson. cluding ten reported residential fires and 49 calls for downed station maintenance issues. This resulted in direct improvements in Forty-five Certificates of Appreciation and 46 Certificates of power lines. A sad moment forthe department was when Deputy City Manager service to the citizen and safety of the firefighter. Commendation were awarded. Seventy Medical Life Saving Nature again attacked the city during the night and early James Baugh left city employment to become city manager in Long­ The closing of Fire Station Number 6, on September 15, 1989 was Awards were presented for individuals being directly responsible morningof September 22, 1989. HurricaneHugo made landfall at view, Texas. Jim left in September, 1989 after10 years of serviceto the firststep in the consolidationof two stations in a new building at for the initial use of CPR, Heimlich Maneuver or any medical Charleston, S.C. around midnight. An extremely strong hurricane with the city. Jim, a tall redheaded Texas native, was well known through­ the Westover Terrace site. Captain Sid Wray, in the last radio acts involving the saving of a life. The Life Saving Medal, pre­ winds recorded around 135 MPH when it struck land, Hugo out the city for his effective management of the city's large operating transaction for Station 6 reported, "Engine 6 is I 0-7. Gone but not sented for being directly responible for saving a life other than moved through South Carolina eastward towards the Green­ departments including fire and police. He was instrumental in as­ forgotten." Engine 6 had served the communityfrom the Westover through medical means, was awarded to 25 individuals. ville/Spartanburg area. When the eye of the storm reached In­ terstate sisting the firedepartment through a period of transition and growth. Terrace site for 41 years. This move, in conjunction with a future The Medal of Valor is the second highest award an individual 77 it turned north and appeared to follow the highway He could be extremely tough but at the same time came to be station relocation, will improve service delivery to the central busi­ may receive. This award is presented for an act of heroism which corridor. As respected forhis fair, open and honest style. To mark his exit a new ness district while improving operating efficiency and building is clearly above and beyond the call of duty and exemplifies the the hurricane struck Charlotte tremendous property damage Emergency One pumper replacement assigned to Station 4 was maintenance. Chief Jones stated in the Greensboro News and Record highest degree of professionalism. Recipients of this award were occurredincluding the toppling of a television transmission tow­ named "Big Red." that the department hopes to convince city officials of the need for a 0. D. Lynch and A. D. Nix for a trench rescue performed April 7, er. Winds were downtown station along with the relocation of Station No. 4 on 1987 on the grounds of Wesley Long Community Hospital. recorded at 90 Gorrell Street. The department's long range Captial Improvement Captain David E. Spears was recognized as the Employee of the MPH. Hugo con­ Plan includes new stations in the northwest and southwest. Year for total commitment to his profession as well as involve­ tinued its north Federal involvement in local emergency operations has begun to ment with the community. The award exemplifies untiring and by northeast have a significant impact. The greatest impact upon fire services has unselfish devotion to one's fellow man. drive. been due to the Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act A Recruitment Team was formed in 1989 to actively pursue Although the (SARA). Local Emergency Planning Committeeswere established in applicants for fire positions. This team, made up from sup­ eye of the storm 1988 to coordinate localhazardous materials planning efforts and to pression forces, educates targeted populations on the fire service missed our city, ensure SARA compliance. and benefits of a career in the field. we did experience The Greensboro Fire Department had in place a response to The department continued its practice of contracting services the effects of the hazardous materials incidents as early as 1981. In 1989 the de­ with neighboring fire departments in both mandatory and vol­ strong winds cir­ partment expanded its commitment and made major investments of untary agreements as a result of annexation. Management felt that cling in a counter­ time, personnel, and funds to meet SARA requirements. Extensive contracting services was an efficient method of providing fire clockwise motion hazmat training classes were held in 1988 and 1989 for existing and protection in new areas of the city while the fire department back into the Remains of Broome Road fire, September 21, adjusts to new demands for such service. Departments under storm's center. 1989. "Big Red"

14 15 On September 5, 1989 the newest Greensboro Fire Station, Sta­ Units making headway on the secondfloor were still encoun­ tion 20, was opened at 8404 West Market Street. This station is tering heavy heat and smoke leading Chief Shumate and sectorr unique in that employees were involved in the overall planning and officers to believe the fire had extended to other areas of th many features are included as a result that greatly enhance its building. Chief Shumate called for third alarm units and began1 livability and functionality. giving attention to the large attic area. Truck Company 7's crew, A firedestroyed much of the Jones Brothers Bakery Building, IO I assisted by other units, began ventilating the attic, and othe,; E. Lee St., on December12, 1989. The building, constructed in 1928, crews advanced into the area to be confronted by a large volume: was listed as one of Greensboro's most historically significant build­ of fire. Once this fire was attacked the incident quickly came: ings due to its architecture. under control. Employees of a fish market located adjacent to the old bakery Captain C. W. Whitworth, in his investigation report, attri thought they smelledsmoke around 4:00 p.m. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. buted the cause to an overloaded electrical extension cordin the Mr.Wesley Motley was putting empty trash boxes on a truck at the room of origin. rear of the building when he saw smoke coming from the bakery roof. 1990 was a year of planning and development. Many projects; He went inside the market to warn other employees. When they also realized completion this year. A large diameter hose progra� came back outside flames were visible. The employees left the was implemented with Engines 4, 5, and 7 being loaded with four­ building and Mr. Motley called the fire department. inch supply line and I¾ inch attack lines. A near complete change When firetrucks arrived they saw flames and smoke over much of out of turnout gear was accomplished.A High LevelRescue Team the roof of the old building. They were aware that the 77,000 square was trained, equipped and placed in service at Station 5. A foot building had been condemned due to its poor structural con­ Minimum Company Standards program was begun with standard dition. The bakery had closed its operations in 1974 and renovation development-testing conducted in the spring. A Fire Hydrant work was beginning to convert the structure into apartments. The Inspection Program was reinitiated. Job reclassifications expand­ renovation work had started with repairs to the roof. ed with Hazardous Materials Unit members receiving supple­ Fire forces began an exterior defensive operation. Assistant Chief mental pay. A reclassification study of the entire department was Richard Johnson told reporters on the scene, "There are so many requested and the city selected Adminstrative Support positions holes in the floor and the roof it's not safe to put people in there." as a starting point. A Safety Officers position was requested and Two ladder trucks and six engines fought the blaze. One fire­ approved for Fiscal Year 1990/91. A complete replacement of the fighter,Fred Burchfield,was injured when his foot got caught in the department's SCBA inventory was budgeted and approved. rung of an aerial ladder. New apparatus placed in service this year included a ne" Captain R. G. Beeson,in his investigative report, stated the cause Hazardous Materials Unit, a replacement pumper/tanker, and a of the fire was undetermined as it was unsafe to enter the building to replacement for Truck 5, a Sutphen Aerial/Platform. The ae­ investigate and there were no witnesses to the fire's beginning. rial/platform, affectionately called "The Tower of Power" is the This, the firstfull year of activity in the Company Fire Inspection first Quint purchased by the department. It is a I 00 foot ae• Program was extremely successful. Twenty fire companies conduct­ rial/platform with a 1500 GPM pump. ed 3,313 inspections of stores and officesand the number of firesin At the end of this year the Department was staffed by 361 personnel, most of whom manned 23 fire companies (17 engines, 4 aerial trucks, 1 elevated platform and 1 aerial/platform). In the department's most recent calendar year (1989) there were 8,952 emergency calls for service, 4,174 were medical responses, with 17,803 unit responses. There were 1,197 fires;362 actual buildin& fires; 12,014 inspections were conducted; 18,835 violations were corrected. The city had grown to 79. 7 square miles populated by 197,000people. During this period, 1985-90, Greensboro assumed a new and dramatic skyline. New downtown construction skyrocketed while restoration or refurbishing of existing structures continued.Three new high rise office structures went up; the Renaissance Plaza at 19 stories; First Union Plaza at 20 stories; and the new Jefferson­ Pilot Tower at 21 stories. Thirteen apparatus were purchased to replace older existing MernerHall, Dennen College, January 12, 1990 units or for new deployments. One hundred and forty positions were reclassified in pay grade or received supplemental pay for this property classification decreased 53%. special assignments. Michelle DuMay, a Bennett College student, returnedto her dorm This period may well be remembered as the most dynamic in room in Merner Hall from morning classes around 1:00 p.m. on the department's history. Changes in adminstration, changes in January 12, 1990. As she unlocked and opened the door to her room both city and department management styles, rapid growth and she saw smoke rolling out across the floor. Alarmed, she leftthe key development coupled with value changes in society and demands in the open door and ran to get help. The Fire Department was of citizens presented constant challenges to all the personnel of dispatched at 1: 17 p.m. the department. Adopted fire service industry advanced tech­ Captain J. E. Mccarter and Engine Company 4 were first on the nology, new regulated requirements and a departure from tra­ scene and saw light smoke coming from the dorm. F.E.O. S. J. ditional to non-traditional methods has been exciting and painful. Fowler and his crew mates advanced up the lightly smoked south All of the effects of a change process have been experienced by the stairway. Once he opened the door, they were met by intense heat organization. and heavy black smoke. The relatively tight masonry building was On a fire the most critical and significant benchmarks, dis­ holding the firein while the open dorm room doorallowed the fireto patch, arrival, all clear, under control, are time stamped to be rapidly spread throughout much of the second floor hallways. The recorded as relevant events in the call's outcome.This period will fire was difficult to extinguish due to poor visibility and heat con­ receive such a time stamp to be recorded as critical and sig­ ditions. nificant in the pages of progress in our department's history. Acting Battalion ChiefW. D. Johnson quickly called fora second alarm upon his arrival and began coordination of the interior op­ FIRE CHIEF eration. Battalion Commander D. D. Shumate arrived with the second alarm units and assumed overall command of the scene. W. Frank Jones

16 • 17 i Chief's Office

"You bought what?" (Chief Flowers) "Which hand, Chief Jones?" Fire Chief's Secretary, Faye Manheim Virginia greets callers and visitors as .well.

Monday morning staff meeting. I

. ... _ _,..

Winkin', Blinkin', and Nod

Chief Johnson keeps in touch with Emergency Services. Chief Jones with the officestaff.

18 19 Administrative

Chimney Rock Road Services train/tanker collision, October 30, 1987.

Chief Coble works on weekly training activities.

Davie Street conflagra­ tion, April 13, 1985.

ihe Planning and Research Staff -Paul Brooks,Teresa Training staff planning training activities. ross and Doreen Holsey. Prevention Services

Caotain Hall and Chief Lemonds discuss code interpretation.

Captain Staley searches for a training file.

Irish prints training reports.

Detective Mike Ingold Captain Beeson and Captain Martin inspect fire alarm components.

Doreen tracks community service activities.

Teresa analyzes productivity reports. Captain Schlobohm writes up curriculum for fire Chief Lemonds and Captain Smith at the City Club. safety programs.

22 ' 23 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Chief Flowers talks with Ken Murray, Maintenance Supervisor.

Chief Jerry Cox reviewing budget allocations. [j] [\J

Isabel Seal, Secretary O,ief Flowersmeets with Ken Murray 11 Maintenance Captain Sandridge and O,iefFlowcrsdiscuss inventory. Chief Flowers meets with Cap1ain Sandridge to DiviSl in. discuss Supply Division.

Captain Manin and Captain Beeson explain evacuation plan preparation to a school principal. Maintenance Division on a coffee break.

Captain Borders conducts his favorite inspection.

Captain Whitwonh and Captain Smith check for proper installation of standpipe system at city parking 24garagc. 25 EMERGENCY SERVICES

::p;;perwork, paperwork." �!

Battalion Commander J. W. Teeters Battalion Commander C. E. Hilliard, Jr. Battalion I Battalion II

"Where in the world do I start?" "Anybody want shoes?" Assistant Chief R. F. Johnson Emergency Services

Tommy, James, Randy and Ken pause after n�arly completing final work on the Ame 1can 1925 _ ,� Lafrance fire truck. "You Can't Be Senous. - ..,.,

Battalion Commander D. D. Shumate Battalion Commander C. M. Culbreth Battalion III Battalion IV

27 26 Battalion Chiefs "On the Scene" Battalion I I

-- ' R. W. Carmon, Sr. J. W. Maness A. B. Kimel�. III - Battalion II

D. C. Waller L. W. Cockman BattalionIII Protecting exposures

J. L. Parker BattalionIV

Ventilation in progress rtc>1':"£NSRn"­ J. D. Sharpe K. J. Hensley Fire at D. H. Griffin Wrecking Company, 1990.

28 29 Greensboro Fire Department Organizational Chart

fire Chie1

IActninls.tr•tive $Uf.fl(>rt V

e1 Adlllinis.truive Servk Resource ManagemH11 Emergency Servi,es

Administrative Supp. II fire Prevent fon SUperv. l"re Equif:llll!rlt S"f)t!rviso•

IPlllA"ling/Res.. r ch Offlor Aministr•tive Supp. II AUht•nt $14"1rvi•o1 Sattelion I Coonender 81tullon It Cemnancle• Batta\ ion 111 Comn;,nder S.ttal ion (Y ccnaander

IActninistrative si..w. 1 1 Plans Review Supply Officer

JI.cord Clerk Jnsp,Ktou/Arson lrwut. 81ttali on Chief (3: Battalion Chief (l) Banalion Chief (3) Battalion Chief

Training S�rvisor

CepUll'I$ (11) c�uins (18'. Captains (18: Captains C1S> "

fir� Equip ()p!r. (Z1) fire Equip Clper (18> Fire E"°'ip Oper (18; fire E�.dp Oper Captains (l)

Ffl"efi9hters I I 11 (45,; If infighters I & fl (39J IFirefightus I l II (42) Fireflghter-s I & II (33'

0 M M.A. Berke

P. W. Blue Medical Life Saving Award W.R. Addertion M. L. Borders R. L. Adkins R. F. Bost, III W. C. Allen Medical Life Saving Award J. A. Allred C. K. Bowman Medical Life SavingAward (4)

D. T. Brame J. H. Alton R. S. Brande W. E. Amos T. A. Brande J. R. Anderson Medical Life Saving Award S. W. Angel J. L. Branson

W. A. Archer W. T. Braswell G. W. Arnold M. J. Braun Medical Life Saving Award P. D. Brooks J. V. Atkins R. D. Brooks E. M. Bailey

C. B. Baldwin B. E. Brown D. W. Banks C.R. Brown J.C. Barham G. K. Brown D. J. Barnett M. C. Brown

R. W. Brown C. S. Barricks Medical Life Saving Award L. W. Beal Medical Life Saving Award T. E. Brown W. J. Beard W. C. Brown R. G. Beeson W. D. Brown

32 33 Personnel

J. D. Cole

D. L. Bullins Medical Lfe Saving Award E. F. Coleman S. J. Bunting S. R.Collis D.R. Burch B. W. Combs W. R. Burchette D.R. Combs

F. L. Burchfield R. L Cooke Medical Life Saving Award (4) Medical Life Saving Award (4) J. A. Burris B. C. Cox J.C. Campbell, Jr. Medical Life Saving Award (3) Medical Life Saving Award J. L. Cox R. A. Campbell T.H. Cox

R. W. Carmon, Jr. C. D. Crabtree R. W. Carmon, Sr. R. G. Cross C. D. Carter F. T. Crow R. B.Cates R.S.Cudd

G.D. Chandler Medical life Saving Award C. M. Culbreth, Jr. G. S. Church K. F. Culbreth T. D. Clark Life Saving Award Medical Life Saving Award (4) L. D. Cummings Life Saving Award J. G. Daniels T. S. Clark

L. W. Coble T. W. Davenport Medical life Saving Award (2) K. E. Cockman J. F. Davis L. W. Cockman R. L. Davis J. W. Coffer W. L. Deal III

34 35 Personnel

C. W. Galloway

r'·

Andre Douglas D. T. Garrett Medical Life Saving Award L. D. Gaulden J.W. Duncan S. C. Gaulden J.R. Dwyer Medical Life Saving Award Medical Life SavingA ward (3) R.R. Gentry R. S. Eanes ,, ' Medical Life Saving Award (3) • . Vi v�

D. E. Edwards B. P. Gerald C. M. Eller T. S.Gibbs H. L.Gibson, Jr. J. D. Eller Medical Life Saving Award (3) F. 0. Evans I F.A.Goff ·YI ,,.

G. M. Evans I.F. Good J. W. Evans R. W. Gordon W. G. Faulk P. N. Graham M. R. Ferree 'j ,, R. D.Graves ·� . ' -�- r

B. R. Fields B. C. Green R. K. Greer R.K.Flowers � Medical Life Saving Award F. E. Fortune - J1t -:, A. D. Griffin G. N. Foushee ··\l"" • ··ti�1· L. L.Griffin • • �1 -� -�t

W. B. Foust T.G. Gross S. J. Fowler R. E. Grundman Medical Life Saving Award (3) J. L. Gwyn Life Saving Award C. A. Hair S. W. Fuller Medical LifeSaving Award G. N. Fuquay 3 & f, Life Saving Award �\ .\\�� � t � .yf 36 37 Personnel C. M. Hunter

W. K. Ingold G. H. Hall Medical Life Sa ving Award ( I) L. L. Halsey R. C. Inman Morris Hargrove J. R. Ivey S. J. Harriman R. E. Johannesen

L. C. Harris D. E. Hayes, II B. A. Johnson Medical Life Saving Award G. R. Johnson Life Saving Award (2) 0. C. Johnson Harold Haynie, Jr. R. E. Johnson Keith Heard

D. W. Henderson Medical LifeSaving Award R. F. Johnson P.A. Henley W. D. Johnson Medical Life Saving Award (2) C. A. Jones R. M. Henley Medical LifeSavi ng Award Medical Life Saving Award (3) Life Saving Award (2) Life Saving Award C. J. Jones K. J. Hensley Medical Life Saving Award Life Saving Award Life Saving Award (3)

C. M. Herbin Medical Life Saving Award J. D. Jones M. S. Hewitt W. E. Jones C. E. Hilliard, Jr. W. K. Jones M. J. Hinson J. L. Joyce

T. D. Hohn Medical Life Saving Award (2) Life Saving Award A. B. Kimel III B. D. Kincaid R. L. Holliman G.D. Doreen Holsey Knight D. W. Hood G. S. LaMarr Medical Life Saving Award

38 39 Personnel L. D. Martin

L. B. Langley, Jr. W. E. Martin I. R. Latta P. L. May D. C. Launius J.E. McCarter T. C. Lemonds J. D. McCaskill

W. H. Lentz M. E. McClain D. L. Leonard R. E. McClean Medical LifeSaving Award E. A. McFarland III L. C. Lewis H. C. McIntyre T. D. Lewis

J. D. Lindsay C.R. McKoy Levi Logan Life Saving A_ward L. W. McMasters W. T. Long Medical Life Saving Award (2) 0. D. Lynch T. L. McNeil Medical Life Saving Award M. Meadows Medal of Valor S.

R.R. Mabe Medical Life Saving Award T. W. Michael Life Saving Award J. T. Midkiff J. W. Maness, Jr. W. T. Millikan F. C. Manheim P. H. Minor, Jr. C. E. Mardis Medical Life Saving Award

T. F. Minor R. L. Mark Medical Life SAving Award (4) S. C. Marks, Jr. B. C. Mitchell L.B. Marsh S. J. Mitchell A. L. Martin J. W. Mooney, Jr.

41 40 Personnel R. L. Oakley

D. T. Moore R. L. O'Brien J. I. Moore H. W. O'Ferrell D. L. Morgan H. E. O'Neal R. S. Morgan R. G. Osborne

J. L. Parker, Jr. J. L. Morton R. L. Parrish R. L. Murchison W. H. Parrish P. D. Murphy G. E. Patterson Medical Life Saving Award (3) R.H. Murphy Life Saving Award

K. H. Murray Larry Patterson R. N. Murrell D. E. Patton T. D. B. Nelson G. Payne N. W. Nelson F. D. Peacock

S. K. Pearman W. A. Nelson Medical Life Saving Award T. A. Newell, Sr. J. D. Peeden H. H. Newnam Medical Life Saving Award (3) Medical Life Saving Award Life Saving Award A. J. Nilen V. L. Penry LifeSaving Award R. E. Perkins

A. D. Nix Employee of the Year G. K. Pettigrew Medical Life Saving Award MedicalLife Saving Award (3) Medal of Valor D. F. Pinnix E. R. Nix R. L. Pinnix B. W. Nugent T. G. Pitts C. W. Oakley Life Saving Award

43 42 Personnel V. D. Robbins

J. K. Powers E. S. Price M. L. Rogers J. S. Price B. W. Sandridge Medical LifeSaving Award C. R. Saunders M. A. Prillaman E. N. Sawyer

J. R. Pritchett T. W. Scarbrough C.E. Pryor R. A.Schlobohm J. W. Rahenkamp, Sr. A. I. Seal T. D. Rankin J. M.Seamans Medical LifeSaving Award

E. V. Rayle, Jr. A. G. Reese, Jr. Otis Sellars Medical Life Saving Award (2) J. W. Shanberg C. W. Reid B.F.Shane D. L. Reid J. D. Sharpe Medical Life Saving Award

D. W. Reid L. J. Shepherd Life Saving Award D. D. Shumate M. J. Rice Life Saving Award J.E. Rich G. R. Simmons Medical Life Saving Award Carl Richards M. R. Simmons

J. T. Richie Life Saving Award (2) J. D. Simpson H.K. Ritter T.H. Sladky J. W. Ritter B. A. Smith H. R. Robbins C. B. Smith Life Saving Award

44 45 Personnel D. E. Spears Employee of the Year

J. G. Spoon C. E. Smith D. L. Stafford D. A. Smith S. P. Stafford G. V. Smith, Jr. Medical Life Saving Award J.C. Smith D. A. Staley

J.E. Smith K. R. Stanley K. A. Smith lifeSaving Award B. K. Staples K. R. Smith Medical Life Saving Award (4) Medical Life Saving Award Life Saving Award A. C. Stewart L. S. Smith B. D. Stewart

K. F. Stewart M. G. Smith Life Saving Award R.H. Smith C. A. Stockard R. S. Smith Medical Life Saving Award W. H. Smith S. D. Stone A. Y. Straughn

B. L. Straughn E.T. Smithey Medical lifeSaving Award E.C. Strimple Medical life Saving Award (2) H. W. Snipes Life Saving Award (2) S. L. Snow D. L. Sturdivant C. W. Snuggs,Jr. L. D. Sumner

C. W. Snuggs, Sr. R. T. Sutton C. W. Snyder R. M. Swails J. D. Souther Medical LifeSaving Award Medical life Saving Award (2) L. P. Tate Life Saving Award H. C. Tatum E. G. Spainhour

46 47 \ B. L. Taylor J. A. Wilkerson P. L. Wilkerson J. W. Teeters J. L. Wilkins C. E. Thompson M. R. Willets R. L. Toler Medical Life Saving Award

' ' ' ' ,., . ' .- - ' �I--_;.._• +-----t--- . .. ,_ f' \ '·i L!-i 1 . ' \ •- - J. W. Toomes R. L. Willets R. E. Travers • � . "'I .. D. L. Williams G. V. Trogdon ,. . . D. W. Williams G. E. Tucker . ··. � J. P. Williams . Medical Life Saving Award (2) �� �• . C . • • I � " . r . . . � . "t. • ,... • � • l-,.!W•�1----· +-----t---

D. L. Underwood W. D. Underwood J. W. Williams E. R. VanNess, Jr. R. A. Williams Medical Life Saving Award W. M. Williams J. R. Walker G. C. Wilson ' . . " Q ' •• .. \ \ ,j ' • : ,.,_., .... �� .• ,,.• e ..

J. H. Walker T. L. Wallace J. W. Wolfe Medical LifeSaving Award 1 B. L. Wooten J. H. Wallen S. L. Wray D. C. Waller Medical Life Saving Award Medical Life Saving Award ,t fJ . t • ; 1 . � ,·: ··• J. S. Wrenn, Jr. l ,» . • . ' ··'1 --�- �- �-i �' ' ., • • • -�·

M. B. Wright G. S. Watson Medical Life Saving Award (2) W. G. Weatherman '" D. A. Young B. G. Weaver ·" J. S. Younts C. W. Whitworth Medical Life Saving Award Life Saving Award(?) S. B. Zimmerman IJ ,, Medical Life Saving Award (JO) ., -� Life Saving Award (I) l � ,8 1 .- l r' 48 49 SPECIALTY TEAMS

Quick Response Vehicle High Level Rescue Team

Honor Guard

Hazardous Materials Team

SI SQUADS Hazardous Materials Team

F.L. Burchfield, T.D. Clark, C.K. Bowman, D.L. Bullins, H.L. Gibson, S.B. Zimmerman, C.M. Herbin, T.A. Brande, G.K. Pettigrew, B.K. Staples, J.D. Peeden, K.R. Smith, J.M. Seamans, C.R. Brown, R.G. Cross, T. W. Davenport, R.L. Toler, M.B. Wright, E.C. Strimple, G.D. Chandler, 0.0. Lynch, L. Patterson, R.R. Gentry, J.D. Souther, and G.E. Patterson; Not pictured - D.E.Hayes, R.L. Cooke,J.L. Morton, R.W. Brown and T.F.Minor.

Front Row - D.L. Stafford, O.C. Johnson, S.C. Gaulden. T.D. Hohn. Second Row - M.L. Rogers, J.P. Williams, R.F. Bost, D.C. Launius, R.E. Johannesen, S.C. Marks, B.G. Weaver, S.P. Stafford, W.A. Archer, M.R. Simmons, C.A. Jones. Back Row - J.D. Lindsay, C.M. Hunter, R.L. Parrish, R.S. Eanes, W.H. Lentz, 8.A. Johnson, J.C. Campbell, M.A. Berke, D.W. Henderson, C.B. Baldwin, C.A. Stockard. Not pictured - D.R. Combs, M.C. Brown, D.W.­ Hood, G.K. Brown.

Mike Rogers and Wayne Henderson don encapsulated suits.

Danny Lynch and Larry Patterson administer first aid to a child who was struck by a car.

)

Ken Smith assists a victim of a motorcycle ac­ Don Hayes and Kenny Stanley extricate a child Captain Bob Bost sets up communications equip­ from an abandoned hole. • cident. ment. Team members prepare for entry into Hot Zone.

52 53 ''Teams In Action" Poster of the Year, 1990

Captain Gary Church and Kelly Culbreth prepare rigging fortraining exercises.

Guy Pauerson inspects hurst tool.

Haz Mat members discuss decon procedures.

I ,t,.;r I ,I __ C ,I 130 II 92157201 Ill ( II[ n n '2100 � 1 Bra do Weaver and David Stafford research . chemical data.

\

Randy Brande and Fred Burchfield perform one Haz Mat members perform a rescue during a simulated incident. last check before lowering victim.

Training session on the new lntersp1ro SCBA.

Tim Brande and Herb Gibson inventory the med box.

Team members watch as Hal O'Neal descends a water tower. Gary Chandler hits the street in Squad 8. 54 55 High Level Rescue Team Honor Guard T.L. Wallace, D.C. Launius, R.E. Johnson, M.J. Hinson, T.L. McNeil, J.H. Alton, B.W. Nugent, T.W. Davenpon, A.J.Nilen, Jr., R.M. Henley, D.L. Bullins, C.K. Bowman, J.L. Joyce, J.A. Allred, and A.O. Nix. Not pictured- S.K. Pearman, J.D. Cole, S.C.Gaulden, R.D.G raves, M.J. Rice, R.L. Toler, and E.R. Nix.

Standing - A.O. Nix, H.E. O'Neal, G.R. Simmons, D.E. Hayes, D.L. Bullins, C.K. Bowman, R.S. Brande, T.D. Clark, W.E. Underwood,F.L. Burchfield, C.B. Smith, and G.C. Wilson. Kneeling-R.L. Cooke, J.R. Dwyer, K.F. Culbreth, W.T. Braswell, and G.S. Church. Nor pictured-J.C. Smith, D.R. Burch, A. Douglas, B.A. Smith, and D.E. Spears.

Honor Guard practices flag folding ceremony.

David Bullins on rappel.

Ray Cooke receives assistance getting offline.

56 Captain Nix conducts drills on venical hauling systems. 57 Communications EMERGENCY Emergency Center MANAGEMENT Management

I :..-..-:.------/ :..-..-=--.;::---. -­ .-

Marilyn Braun Carl Richards

o. T. Sheppard dispatches a fire call. LouisaDroppers mans the fire console.

The center serves both police and fire.

Robert·Morris, former firefighter, takes training from Kathy Hitchcock. Phyllis Graham Phyllis Graham explores Haz Mat.

58 59 Fire Equipment

BattalionIII- Truck #11, Engine #15, Engine #10, Brush Truck, Squad #8, Engine #11, Engine #8, Truck #10, Car #3, and Car #7. Battalion I -Truck #5, Engine #9, Engine #17, Squad #9, Engine #12, Squad #5, Engine #5, Truck #12, and Car#I (center).

Battalion II- Air One, Engine #2, Engine #1, Engine #4, Engine #7, Engine #14, Truck #7, Squad #7, Power Unit, Car #2 (center). Battalion IV- Hazardous Materials Unit, Engine #19, Engine #18, Engine #20, Truck #16, Engine #16, Car #4.

60 61 Garage "This & That" '

James Pritchett replacesacetylene cylinders.

Randy Campbell services the van.

Big Red gets a workout.

Ken Murray cranks out those specs.

"Otis" takes a peek.

Training together.

Randy Campbell and Tommy Millikan rebuild an engine for reserve apparatus. Medals and Awards

MEDAL OF YALOR - This is the second highest award an individual may receive and is presented for an act of heroism which is clearly above and beyond the call of duty and exemplifies the highest degree of professionalism. MEDICAL LIFE SAVINGAWARD -This award is presented to one who is directly responsible forthe initial use of CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, or any ◄ medical acts involving the saving of life.►

MEDAL OF HONOR - This is the highest award an individual may receive. This award is presented for actions which are far beyond and LIFE SAVING AWARD - This award is presented for an act involving the above the call of duty. Said actions involve the highest degree of heroism saving of a life other than through medical assistance. T and carries the extreme risk of losing one's life.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR- This award is presented to a member of the Fire Department who has displayed a total commitment to his/her profession as well as involvement with the community. The award exemplifies an untiring and unselfish devotion to one's fellow man. ◄ The Medals & Awards Committee is made up of: Mike Henley, Cap­ tain/Chairman; J.E. McCarter, Captain; Emmell VanNess, Captain; Roger Brooks, Captain; Virginia Robbins, Secretary; C.W. Whitworth, Captain; and Richard Johnson, Assistant Chief.

64 65 Employee Employee of the Year Medal State's Top Firefighter 1987 Of The Year

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR-This award is presented to a member of the Fire Depanment who has displayed a total commitment to his/her profession as well as involvement with the community. The award exemplifies an untiring and unselfish devotion to one's fellow man.

• Battalion Chief Larry W. Cockman was named Fire­ fighter of the Year by the North Carolina State Fire­ man's Association. He was chosen from 1,250 appli­ cants, as each fire depart­ -- ment in the state is eligible to submit one name to the com­ petition. The selection process was extensive in education, achievements in fire service and the community, and spe­ \ cial accomplishments. Larry was the first firefighter from North Carolina to graduate from the University of Mary­ land with a B.S. in Fire Ad­ Chief W. Frank Jones - 1988 Fire Department Employee of the Year ministration/Fire Science. He successfully chaired a driver certification program and was instrumental in the development of the Opticom Traffic Control Device Pro­ gram for the City of Greens­ boro.

Captain David E. Spears - 1989 Fire Department Employee of the Year Captain A.O. "Skip" Nix - 1990 Fire Department Employee of the Year

66 67 Participants in one mile run before the start of the race. II Piedmont Teamwalk 1988 II Tug-of-war team depicts strength The Story of and technique that took first place in II II the overall competition. II One Man's Odyssey II

The adventure begins. "Wadda' you mean only two miles." Terri Wallace scales the wall of the A.B. Kimel looks on as 6-person pyramid is built forobstacle course com- Tug-of-war team prepares for stren- , . obstacle course as Fred Burchfield petition. uous ba11le. V. exits the tunnel. -.- 7,. �

The adventure ends. The lie begins. Robert Morgan, Jesse Walker, Terry Rankin and Rick Schlobohm complete 5K race. 1990 Corporate Cup

68 Fire Department anc�ors City Team with 13 members. 69 Captain Sutton maintains Air Paks.

c::·.•·- ·'

70 71 P.W. Blue and J M· Scamans adm,n,stcr - - fim aid. r

72 • 73 l "Troops In Action"

Creek Chief at it again.

Hazardous Materials simulation drill at old train yard.

u

Chief Hilliard gives opening remarks at the chain­ saw class.

Changing tanks.

Tanker roll-over training.

74 "You've got to be kidding!" 7S SQuad #7 assists Engine #4 at a crane accident.

Captain Adkins (second from left) transmits a Arley Reese, Bobby Shane, and Captain Willie Signal 50 while Captain Underwood, Rick Johnson test a hydrant in Station #7's territory. Cross, Ed Smithey and Bobby Shane exchange air bollles.

.. Captain Reid gives a tour of the aerial apparatus. 76 77 Bennett College dor­ "Hot Shots" mitory fire, January 12, 1990.

Historic freight depot fire in 1988.

Federal Courthouse fire, Hughes & Sycamore March 21, 1988. Streets, May 14, 1988.

78 79 Recruit

38th Recruit Class - I 988 Front Classes Row- E.T. Smithey, D.C. Launius. C.B. Smith, R.E. Hill, Jr., D.W. Wil­ liams. D.A. Young, M.S. Hewill, W.T. Braswell, T. Palmer, P.A. Hen­ ley, and P.D. Brooks - Training Staff Back Row - D.T. Brame, M.A. Prillaman, T.G. Pim, L.W. McMasters, Jr., D.L. Bracken (Reidsville), R.E. Perkins, T.E. 35th Recruit Class - 1985 - R.K. Brown, K.E. Cockman. G.K. Brown, Tate, G.C. Wilson, F.L. Burchfield, D.A. Smith, W.E. Underwood, V.L. H.L. Gibson, E.V. Bullard, M.S. Pcnry, Jr., D.T.Garrell, S.E. Decker Meadows, T.A. Brande, L.L. Griffin, (Reidsville), P.L. Wilkerson, B.C. W.K. Ingold, P.W. Blue, F.T. Crow, Cox - Training Staff, and D.E. and J.F. Davis. Spears - Training Staff

39th Recruit Class - 1989 Front Row - C.S. Barricks, S.J. Bunting, A.L. Martin, W.J. Beard, D.E. Ed­ 36th Recruit Class - Fall 1985 - wards, F.A. Goff,R.E. Johnson, R.S. Front Row- P.O. Brooks - Train­ Morgan. M. Hargrove, T.D. Rankin, ing Staff,M.J. Rice, T.S. Gibbs, A.O. and D.A. Staley - Training Staff. Griffin, H. Haynie, Jr., D.L. Staf­ Back Row - K. Heard, J.S. Younts, ford, W.K. Jones, ?.ndA.J. Nilen, Jr. C.E. Pryor, J.G. Spoon, R.C. Inman, Second Row - J.M. Seamans, B.A. F.D. Peacock, J.V. Atkins, J.D. Johnson, D.L. Leonard, A. Douglas, Hunt, G.D. Knight, B.C. Mitchell, E.C. Strimple, C.A. Hair, R.H. M.E. McClain, R.T. McLean, B.D. Smith, Jr., T.L. Warner (Reidsville), Kincaid, M.C. Carlson (Reidsville), and W.F. Jones - Training Staff. R.N. Murrell, 8.E. Brown, B.L. Back Row - C. B. Baldwin, C.D. Washburn (Reidsville), R.M. Swails, Carter, S. D. Warren, J. D. Lindsay, C.W. Snuggs, Jr., D.L. Morgan, B.D. R. G. Cross, C. D. Crabtree, C. M. Stewart, D.E. Spears - Training Hunter, R. L. Floyd, R. S. Eanes, B. Staff, and C.A. Jones - Haz Mat C. Cox -Training Staff Team.

37th Recruit Class - 1987 Front Row - D.E. Sturdivant. B.G. Wea­ ver, R.R. Mabe, T.W. Scarbrough, R.E. Johannesen, S.C. Marks, and R.D. Lawrence (Reidsville). Second Row - P.D.Brooks - Training Staff, S.W. Fuller, S.J. Harriman, R.A. Brande, J.L. Joyce, R.S. Smith, J.T. Midkiff,B.A. Smith, and L.W. Coble - Training Staff. Back Row - B.C. Greensboro Fire Department Recruit­ Cox - Training Staff, C.D. Guy ment Team - Captain D.A. Staley, (Reidsville), J.H. Allon, 8.P. Gerald, Captain A.O. Nix, Captain T.L. R.A. Williams, T.L. Wallace, W.E. McNeil, T.L. Wallace, A.J. Nilen, Amos, and G.R. Simmons. Jr., and M.J. Rice.

80 81 Retirees

James B. Alexander 01/01/66 -10/31/89 E12uge/f6/n6 eI -09/30/82Coleman Shirley M. Allen 06/04/51 - 07/31/86 Dock05/01/43 C. - Costner 06/30/73 Robah L. Andrews T. 08/01/66 - 02/28/90 Charles08/01/47 -08/3Culbreth1/76 Charles L. Bean 04/16/59 -01/31/90 George12/08/32 -N.03/31/82 Durham

Lorenzo Benton A. C. Farmer 09/05/61 - 06/30/89 12/16/48 - 01131/85 Percy E. Bigelow 09/05/61 - 05131/82 Arthur09/15/46 M.- 12/01/76Foushee Ozzie L. Bowman 05/16/58 -09/30/83 De06/0wey1/44 G.- 06/30/84Fuller Harry E. Brown E. 02/01/49 -06/30/81 William01/01/41 - 06/30/73Fullington

Paul L. Brown James A. Goins 09/01/48 - 06/30/78 03/ I 6/5 7 -09/30/83 Walter T. Brown Henry R. Grogan 02/10/67 - 01/31/78 I� • • i 10/01126 -06/30/65 Harvey K. Bryant Robert F. Gulledge 02/16/58 -06/30/87 01116/51 - 11/30/79 James W. Bullard Carl N. Hai2ler 07/01/67 -06/30/79 08/01/56-08/31/85

D.C. Burns Elwood F. Hairr 11/01/45 -03/31/81 10/01145 -06/30/80 M. 09/05/61Leo -Cardwell09/30/8 I Mahlon B. Hancock 08101156 -07131186 Leroy V. Cauthren William D. Hartsook 08/16/48 -07/31/78 03/15/41 - 12/31/76 Bural A. Caviness Philli P. Hockett 02101/49-03/31/79 06/03/61p - 07/31/79

John04/ R. 15/27 Christopher - 06/30/69 Edgar P. Hodge 05IZ5/59 - 01/31/79 09/05/61Harold - C.06/30/81 Coble Prelton D. Honeycutt 10/01/42 - 06130180 Jack L. Coble James A. Huffman 06/16/53 - 06/30/89 l 2/ 16/51 -06/30/79 Milliard E. Coe Herman E. James 09/06/26 -06130166 09115/45 - 06/30/78

82 83 Retirees

Reese B. Kent Robert L. Powell 1 I /16/48 - 02/29/88 09/15/46 - 09130/87 Paul A. Kersey Raymond F. Reddick 08/01/56- 12/31/78 02101/49- 06/30/79 Dewey G. Kivett Richard G. Reich! 12/0l/4ll- 05/31/79 04101/64- 01/31/90 Homer E. Koontz Eli E. Ritter 03115/41 - 09/30/78 12/16/48- 06/30180

Plumer C. Leslie Berman E. Royal 10101142- 09130172 08101/55- 06/30187 James W. Lewis Marshall J. Rumley 061 I 6/58 - 06130188 10/01/50- 06/30/79 John E. Loy James C. Russell 05/16158 - 01/31/88 12101/48 - 10/31/77 ArnoldW. Marion Roland E. Scott 08/28161 -03/31/88 08/01/47 - 12/31177

Clyde E. Marsh John R. Shepherd OIIOf/41 - 06/30/77 05/16/58 - 01731189 John L. Mikles Richard T. Shular 02/16/57- 06/30/89 09/18/72 - 11/30/79 Levi M. Miller Jesse R. Simpson 08/16/62- 05/31179 08/06156 - 02/28/83 Donald W. Moore Harold C. Smith 02/01/52- 06130179 05116158 - 04130178

Richard D. Moore Thomas A. Smith 07116/65 - 12131183 08/08/60 - 03/31/82 Eithel A. Nance Lonnie P. Sprinlcle 08128/61 - 06/30179 11/01/42 - 06/30175 Jack E. Neugent Jack Steinberg 04/16/49 - 02/18/81 01/07163- 09/30/80 John B. Nicholson Carlton Summers 11/01/50-12/31/77 12/01/47 - 08/31/73

William H. Osborne Charles F. Walker 04/01143- 10131175 08/01/56 - 06130/89 Richard F. Page William L. Watson 05116/58 - 05/31189 08/ 16/43 - 06/30/77 Elvin C. Parrish TheoW. Weeks 03/19151 - 06130181 1 l/ 19/68- 04/30/79 Gordon M. Perry, Sr. 08/ 16/60 - 02728/85 Jerry D. Wheeler 05!2Cl57- 06130180

85 84 George S. White Contracte� Fire Protection 09105/6I - 02/28/82 Clyde N. Wilson 01/01/41 - 09/30/77 Arthur 0. Wrenn 02/01/44 - 02/28/74 George C. Wuchae I 0/15/39 - 06/30/77

Greensboro's Fire Chiefs ·- Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire Department Fire District 14

Frank D. Shaw Calvin W. Wyrick 1926 - 1947 1947 - 1969

Deep River Fire Department Colfax Fire Department

W. Frank Jones 1987 - Present

George C. Wuchae Robert L. Powell, Jr. Water moving operation involving Greensboro and contracted departments. 1969 - 1977 1977 - 1987

86 87 "On The Job"

"Well, I tell you, Bob ... " "I thought I was an FEO."

"I just know we're going to miss a call!"

Captain Green and Bryant Staples

"You can'twin them all."

Making sure it's out.

Herb Gibson and Tim Brande

88 89 Training Firefighters Club

Dannie Underwood - Treasurer Chief Coble and staff look over and Ed Smithey - President, (not pic­ training repons. tured: Lloyd Halsey - Vice Pres­ ident and David Burch - Secretary)

Dee evaluates Haz Mat drill.

ChiefFrank Jones, winner of the em­ ployee picnic wet t-shin contest

Pinto beans at city stage. David rigging with HLRT on the gasoline tank.

91 90 Book Staff

Selecting photos for the history section. David views negatives while lr_ish types captions for the book. "Somebody make the decision."

"How many pa&es do e have left?"

"Everyone should have an assignment!"

Everyone seems to be �ard at work.

92 93 Special Olympics

100 Club

Station #5 personnel pose with Mar­ tha Grant to display Special Olympic tee shirts sponsored by fire depart­ ment members.

David Bullins cheers' as a Special Olympic contestant nears the finish line.

94 95 g

-----

9 , /

I.., ,

�onde csta Carlos? as anyone seen Carlos?

96