The Gastonia Fire Department was first established in 1901 by a group of volunteer citizens under the command of George G. Glenn, who was the Chief.
During those times, equipment was scarce and nonexistent.
The only fire hose available was wound on a small hand reel, and it could only be transported by pushing or carrying it to fires.
In 1905, a team of “fine fire horses” was purchased, and L. L. Jenkins donated a fire wagon and some harnesses. This became the first official fire apparatus for the Gastonia Fire Department.
Since then, the department has grown leaps and bounds under the leadership of the 18 Fire Chiefs who have led the department through the years.
From our first official fire station on South Street in 1901 (pictured to the right), to our newest building, our department headquarters and Station 1, built in 2002, we continue to grow to serve the public.
Today, we have a total of eight fire stations and more than 141 firefighters who have the privilege of operating state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safety of the citizens of Gastonia.
Click here to see more pictures from our department's history.
Click here for a comprehensive written history of the department.
