Forsyth Fire Turns 40

Celebrating four decades of service, the Forsyth County Fire Department was recently presented with a Resolution commemorating its 40th anniversary.

The event occurred exactly 40 years to the date of the creation of the fire department during the Nov. 1 meeting of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.

“We thank Fire Chief Danny Bowman and all department personnel for their protection of the citizens of Forsyth County and for their service to the community,” Forsyth County Commission Chairman Jim Boff read from the Resolution.

Now an established fire department, the FCFD began on Nov. 1, 1972 as the Forsyth County Fire Protection Committee, created in response to a residential fire claiming the life of a county resident. From that committee, the county’s volunteer fire department was incorporated in 1973 and served the county until 1998. In that year a modern fire department was established with 30 full-time, career firefighters.

Since that time the fire department has grown to a 129 full-time field suppression personnel responding out of 12-staffed fire stations, along with shift workers and a variety of administrative and support personnel.

Last year, the department responded to more than 11,500 incidents, ranging from structure fires and motor vehicle accidents to medical calls and gas leaks.

In addition to daily fire suppression functions, the department reviews building plans, performs inspections and conducts fire investigations. The department also features a number of special operations units whose expertise focuses on handling extreme conditions and circumstances. These specialized units are deployed during emergency incidents such as trench collapses, brush fires and river rescues.

Throughout its 40 years, three individuals have held the title of fire chief. In 1972, John C. Moore became the department’s first leader; Norris Bennett was named fire chief in 1990; and current Fire Chief Danny Bowman was named chief of department in 2003.

“We continue to honor the legacy of those who came before us by serving this community with excellence and integrity,” said Bowman. “We take great pride in what we do. It is an honor and privilege to serve Forsyth County.”

Fire department projects currently underway include new Fire Station 4, which is located in west Forsyth County and expected to officially open this month, and new Fire Station 3 in northwest Forsyth County, construction of which began in late Sept.

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