The city of Rocky Mount, Rocky Mount Fire Department has a rich history of serving the community since it was officially chartered in 1896. One hundred twenty-five years have passed since it transitioned from a totally volunteer organization to the Class 1 ISO, internationally accredited, fully paid, career department serving the citizens of Rocky Mount today.
The men and women of the Rocky Mount Fire Department have 125 years filled with tradition, a willingness to sacrifice, and devotion to the department’s mission of protecting life and property through quality and excellence in service. With core values of honesty, integrity, respect, teamwork, and dedication, the Rocky Mount Fire Department has become one of the most elite departments in the country.
On Saturday, July 17, 2021, the Rocky Mount Fire Department will mark its quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) with events that will celebrate its accomplishments, service to the community, and the men and women who have protected lives and property in the city for 125 years. The department is planning to have a day filled with activities and events that showcase and celebrate the department.
The day’s festivities will begin with a showcase of RMFD services held at the John P. Sykes Training Ground (997 Atlantic Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC) from 9am until noon. The community is invited to experience live fire demonstrations, exhibitions by the department’s special teams, and equipment displays.
Hot dogs, chips, drinks, and souvenir items commemorating the 125th anniversary will be available at the event.
The day of celebrating the Rocky Mount Fire Department’s 125 years of service to the city will culminate with a community celebration on the lawn of the Helen P. Gay Rocky Mount Historic Train Station (101 Coastline Street, Rocky Mount, NC) at 8:30pm, following the department’s annual awards and recognition ceremony.
“We are excited about the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with the community and to recognize the dedication and service our employees have provided for 125 years,” Rocky Mount Fire Chief Corey Mercer said. “We hope our community will agree it is an occasion worth commemorating with the events we have planned. We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the day at our community events to help us celebrate.”
Follow Rocky Mount Fire Department updates/events at www.facebook.com/rockymountfire.
The city of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s 875 employees serve approximately 58,000 residents daily. Visit www.rockymountnc.gov.
Source: Kim Wittig and Jessie Nunery
