Statesville Fire Department Celebrates 150 Years of Service

The Statesville Fire Department proudly celebrated its 150th Anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with a community celebration honoring a century and a half of service, dedication, and commitment to protecting the City of Statesville.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this historic milestone with us. It was an incredible day filled with community fellowship, family activities, historical reflection, and appreciation for the men and women who have served the Statesville Fire Department throughout its history.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the families, community members, vendors, sponsors, former firefighters, elected officials, and partner agencies who helped make the event so special. The overwhelming support shown throughout the day was a powerful reminder of the strong connection between the fire department and the community we proudly serve.

“Today, we gather to honor a remarkable milestone in our history, a testament to the dedication, courage, and commitment of our firefighters, both past and present,” said Chief Kurfees. “For one and a half centuries, our department has been a vital part of this community, responding to emergencies, protecting lives, and serving with honor. We are proud of our heritage and the legacy we continue to build together.”

From its beginnings in the late 1800s to becoming an internationally accredited department with an ISO Class 1 rating, the Statesville Fire Department has continued to evolve while remaining committed to serving the community with excellence. Learn more about the history of the SFD here.

The celebration featured historical displays, fire apparatus, touch-a-truck activities, fire safety demonstrations, bounce houses, firefighter meet-and-greets, and community activities for all ages. One of the highlights of the day was the Firefighter Muster Competition, where firefighters competed in traditional fire service challenges that showcased teamwork, skill, and friendly competition.

Firefighter Muster

Competition Teams

Team 1:

Brandon Wiggins, Jacob Belk, Jon Bajek, and Hunter Baynes

Team 2:

Jacob Lail, Darren Wagoner, Stephen Church, and Austin Thorneburg

Competition Results

Bucket Brigade - Team 1: 1 minute, 15 seconds and Team 2: 1 minute 39 seconds

Ladder Climb - Team 1: 37 seconds and Team 2: 38.5 seconds

Turnout Gear Race - Team 1: 1 minute, 6 seconds and Team 2: 1 minute, 16 seconds

Tug of War - Winner: Team 2

As the department reflects on the past 150 years, the celebration also served as a reminder of the future ahead and the continued mission of protecting and serving the Statesville community with excellence, professionalism, and dedication.