1902; The local fire department was organized in 1902 as the Lyon Fire Company. The volunteer department was housed in old city hall located at Charlotte Ave. This consisted of a one reel team with a volunteer membership of 16. The fire chief at this time was Albert Clark.

During this era, a one-horse wagon was purchased from Raleigh in 1905. This wagon pictured was used for the Sandhills Fireman’s Association water and chemical races. Walter Chisholm was acting chief at this time. The wagon remained in use until 1908, when a second two horse wagon was purchased.

The two horse wagon was used until 1917 when the towns first motorized pumper, an American Lafrance with a pumping capacity of 350 gallons per minute. John T. Mckernan was chief at this time.

In 1924 the town installed 26 fire alarm boxes. This brought every home to within two to three blocks of a fire call box. One of these, which remains on the corner of Hawkins Ave. at Central Fire Station.

In 1926 a second American Lafrance was acquired having a pumping capacity of 750 gallons per minute.

Chief Mckernan held the chiefs position until 1933, when he was succeeded in 1934 by Chief G.G. Dorsett who held office until 1936. In 1936 Reece B. Lemmond was elected to chief.

Chief Lemmond held this position until he was succeeded in 1939 to James Otis Bridges, Sr. During this same year the department purchased its first American Lafrance Ladder Truck.

In 1948 the fire department built a second fire station near the courthouse and a 1948 Mack Pumper. In 1958 the city’s first 1000 gallon per minute, an American Lafrance was purchased.

In 1962 the city hired Chief Bridges as its first full time fire chief. He had held the job as volunteer chief for twenty-three years. In 1968 the citizens of Sanford passed a fire bond which allowed a new central station, pumper and aerial platform to be purchased.

In 1969 fire department headquarters moved from old city hall to there new building, Central Station located on Hawkins Ave.

In 1975 Chief Bridges retired after 46 years of service and Assistant Chief Sam Bost was promoted to Chief. In 1976 fire station two began. In 1977 this became station two and the old station two was moved from the courthouse to the new firehouse located on Woodland Ave. This new firehouse contained two new Mack pumpers.

In 1978 the city’s first equipment truck was purchased a put in to service at Central Station.

In 1987 a new 1000 gallon per minute pumper was purchased and placed at Central Fire Station to help in fire response capabilities. At this same time the completely volunteer department was restructured and was established as an all paid department.

In 1988 Chief Sam Bost retired and in 1989 Floyd Caviness was appointed chief of the department. In 1990 the city acquired its first mini-pumper for wild land firefighting capabilities.

In 1992 the fire department opened Station 3 located on Cool Springs Rd. During this period nine new members were hired bringing the total personnel to 47.

In 1995 Chief Caviness retired and Assistant Chief T. Wayne Barber was promoted to chief.

TODAY; The Sanford Fire Department protects around 30,000 people and it’s jurisdiction covers 26.48 square miles. Wayne Barber is chief and Hayden Lutterloh, III is assistant chief with a full time membership of 50 employees and three stations.

@ Central Fire Station #1 there are 3, 24 hour shifts at the station with 7 personnel assigned to each shift. There is also one Fire Inspector assigned per shift. The Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, and Fire Inspectors' offices are located at this station.

@ Fire Station #2 there are 3, 24 hour shifts at the station with 5 personnel assigned to each shift.

@ Fire Station #3 there are 3, 24 hour shifts at the station with 4 personnel assigned to each shift. This is also the administrative office with the Fire Chief and the administrative assistant located here with office hours 8-5, Moday-Friday.

Historical Photos

Sanford Fire Department Holds World Record