West Iredell Fire Department History

West Iredell Fire Department is located in Western Iredell County (Shiloh Community). We proudly protect about 7,793 residents living in an area of 51.3 square miles. We operate out of 2 stations that protects a primarily residential area, with moderate commercial and industrial properties. We are a combination department of volunteer and part time paid firefighters that provides fire, rescue, and medical first responder services. We have an ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating of 4.

West Iredell Volunteer Fire Department had its beginning in 1961. The lions Club purchased land on the Old Mountain Road at Bradford Crossroads. Approx. 62 Different People worked on the building and 248 Hours were spent laying brick and blocks. The first full day of work on the building began May 27, 1961, power was turned on to the building August 28, 1961. The Original building consisted of two bays and office and a bedroom. Another bay was added in 1964. The capacity of the building doubled in 1971 with the addition of three bays and the meeting room.

Bids on the Frist Fire Truck were opened on October 27, 1961. This truck, an American Lafrance pumper, was delivered February 27, 1962. The Chassis for the tanker was delivered February 3, 1962. Baker Equipment of Charlotte built the tank on this truck. Next 2 army jeeps were purchased one was for a brush truck and second was for parts for the first one. Later a two thousand gallon tractor trailer truck was purchased for a tanker which had been previously used as a gasoline tanker this truck was the water supply which helped form the fire district. Both of these Vehicles were later sold. The second tanker a J.C. Beck, was delivered May 20, 1969. A 1972 International Scout was purchased for a brush truck. The Equipment was built by C.W. Williams of Rocky Mount. The fire rescue van was added in 1974. The Pierce Pumper came in July 24, 1980.

With the arrival of the first trucks came the necessity for fireman. Fireman served their first duty February 19, 1962. Full-time Duty began March 23, 1962, with James Hollar being the first Fire Chief. Gerald Williams and then Ivory Bridges served as assistant Chiefs.