19-Feb-2010: Apperance Commission Award Goes To EMS Station Building
By Mark Wineka - Salisbury Post: Rowan County's EMS Station in Salisbury was recognized by the Salisbury Community Appearance Commission on Thursday, February 17. The theme of the awards luncheon was "Strength Rowan County EMS Station 85 in Neighborhoods," an emphasis the commission started four years ago. Guest speaker was Susan Schwartz, neighborhood planning manager for the city of Greensboro. "It's all about people and relationships and the environment we create," Schwartz said of successful neighborhoods anywhere.

Rowan County and architect Karen Alexander won for the new EMS station in Salisbury at North Shaver and East Council streets. Judges said the building's design was more creative than typical EMS stations, scaled well within its surrounding neighborhood and made of recycled brick from Taylor Clay.

The Community Appearance Commission relied on its chairman, Barbara Perry, and an outside, four-person jury to select winners in other major categories, which covered a period from November 2007 to October 2009.

15-Jan-2010: Walker Joins Local Forest Service Office
County Forest Service Ranger David Poole announced that Jason Walker has been named Assistant Ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service's Office in Rowan County. Walker comes to Rowan with having served with the Forest Service in Wake County. He fills Rowan's vacant Assistant Ranger position when Poole was promoted to County Ranger last year with the retirement of Rodney Kreiser.

8-Jan-2010: Home Improvement Books Recalled Due to Shock or Fire Hazard
On January 8, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the publisher, announced a voluntary recall of several home improvement books. The CPSC noted the books contain errors in the technical diagrams along with instructions that could lead consumers to incorrectly install or repair electrical wiring, posing a electrical shock or fire hazard. Detailed information is available in CPSC's news release. The CPSC also provides other product warning and recall information that is readily available to the public at www.cpsc.gov.

21-Dec-2009: Rowan EMS Division Receives Approval for New Protocols
Rowan County has received approval from the North Carolina Office of EMS to allow implemention of the County's updated emergency medical protocols effective January 1, 2010. A new copy of the protocols may be viewed or downloaded here.

12-Nov-2009: NCDOT Rail Division Proposes Rail Crossing Improvements in Rowan County
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division proposes to construct an additional railroad track adjacent to the existing track from just south of Salisbury to North Kannapolis in Rowan County. The proposed improvements begin approximately one mile north of Peach Orchard Road and extend to just south of East 22nd Street. Additional improvements for this project would include closing a number of crossings in the improvement area and upgrading others to better accomodate high speed rail service. Details are available here.

28-Oct-2009: Public Safety Radio System Upgrade Funding
By: Jennifer Moxley - News14: A call comes into 9-1-1, the telecommunicators send help using radios. But the radio system local public safety agencies use is getting ready to go through a major transistion. "It is something that we have to do so that we can make sure that we protect the citizens of Rowan County and to make sure those firefighters, law enforcement and those EMS personnel are there when they need them...," Telecommunications Director Rob Robinson states.

The FCC is requiring that radios transition from analog to digital by 2013, and that change costs money. Rowan County also needs a $12 million radio upgrade because service is spotty and the required transistion to digital will worsen existing coverage.

To pay for the project, the county has placed a quarter cent sales tax referendum on the ballot. Here's what it comes down to: For every $4.00 you spend, you will spend one extra penny. Those pennies will add up for the county.

Voters in Rowan County are heading to the polls to vote on the referendum. County leaders plan to use the money for the required upgrade to emergency radios in the county and additions to the jail to alleviate overcrowding.

15-Oct-2009: EMS Personnel Recognize Emergency Nurses Week
Emergency department nurses at Rowan Regional Medical Center were recognized for their hard work and commitment to emergency care at a surprise luncheon sponsored by Emergency Services personnel today at the hospital. The event was hosted as a part of Emergency Nurses Week. A special thanks go out to all our local emergency nurses for all your efforts every day to help save lives and provide comfort to our citizens. We are all very proud of the work you do! The luncheon was coordinated by EMS Division Paramedics Althea Smith, Monica Evans, Tamara Earnhardt, Manager Beth Connell, and others.

08-Oct-2009: Rowan Hosts United Kindom Attendees to Flood Conference Meeting
Some 45 emergency services leaders representating the United Kingdom and Australia arrived in Rowan Flood Conference Attendees at Rowan County EOC County today as part of a week-long flood conference event sponsored by North Carolina Emegency Management & the Charlotte Fire Department. Attendees and representatives from the North Carolina National Guard along with local staff took part in the event which included several presentations on rescue operations during flood events both in North Carolina and the United Kingdom. The event concluded with static displays and a functional demonstration of the NC Helo Aquatic Rescue Team (NC-HART) at the Air National Guard Flight Facility at the Rowan County Airport.

29-Sep-2009: Williams Gas Pipeline Expansion Update
Williams Gas Pipeline recently received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to move forward with their proposed expansion of several segments of Transco's natural gas pipeline across several southern states, including North Carolina. Within that project, a section of the expansion will take place in southwestern Rowan County with the installation of an additional pipeline segment for 8 miles. Details may be viewed in this update from Wiliams-Transco.

21-Sep-2009: Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
At their regular meeting on September 21, 2009, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners recognized Rowan County's Fire Service, and also the importance of all citizens to practice fire safety year-round by issuing a formal proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week in Rowan County. The proclamation notes that fire is a serious public concern and encourages all citizens to become more aware of fire safety in the home and at work.

A copy of the proclamation is available here for viewing or downloading.

11-Sep-2009: 9/11 Memorial / Patriot Day Local Activities
By Steve Huffman: Salisbury Post: A memorial service held Friday at Chestnut Hill Cemetery honored victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as emergency responders from Rowan County who died of natural causes over the past year. But as Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz pointed out, the event was also intended to celebrate those who protect all of us on a daily basis.

"Words seem inadequate to thank you," Kluttz said, referring to everyone from law-enforcement officers and firefighters to Emergency Medical Technicians.

Memorial Service Wreath The event — held at the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighters' Memorial on the cemetery's south end — started at 8:45 a.m. with a bagpipe presentation by David Thornburg. The service coincided with the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.The gist of Friday's service was held during the exact time that jets were slamming eight years earlier into the World Trade Towers. Almost 3,000 Americans died that day.

Speakers at Friday's service included Kevin Auten, chief deputy with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, Carl Ford, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, and Kluttz. Kluttz noted that the cities of New York and Washington suffered greatly as a result of the 9/11 attacks, but said smaller communities like Rowan County also felt the pain. While she was speaking, Kluttz mentioned Justin Monroe and Victor Isler, Salisbury's firefighters who died in a blaze more than a year ago.

"We continue to pray for the souls of those we lost and their families," Kluttz said. "Thanks to those who serve."

Auten recalled the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. "I think everyone remembers where they were that day," he said. "Even in the U.S., the greatest country in the world, we're not immune from those cowardly acts." Ford read a proclamation that commissioners and elected leaders of most Rowan County municipalities passed designating Friday as Patriot Day. Ford said that while Rowan County has more than 139,000 residents, fewer than 1,400 serve in law enforcement, firefighting or as members of local rescue squads. He noted that equals about 1.2 percent of the population.

"Often, their work goes unnoticed," Ford said. "It's sad, but true."

Patriot Day Resolution by Rowan County Board of Commissioners
Event Photographs

09-Sep-2009: Poole Named to Succeed Kreiser as Rowan County Ranger
David K Poole The North Carolina Forest Service announced today that Assistant Forest Ranger David Poole has been promoted to County Ranger for Rowan County effective today. Poole will oversee and manage the local forest service office that includes forest management and related fire suppression activities. Congratulations to David for this accomplishment! Rodney Kreiser

Poole succeeds Rodney Kreiser who served as County Ranger until his retirement last month. Kreiser has been with the Forest Service Office in Rowan County since 1980, serving as both Assistant Ranger and Ranger. A retirement luncheon and reception was held in his honor at the District 10 Forest Service Headquarters in Lexington on September 1. He was recognized for his many years of service and support to the citizens of Rowan County and the State of North Carolina.

01-Sep-2009: Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster Forms in Rowan
If you have watched or read very much about recent disasters occurring around the Nation, you probably are aware that many organizations other than the government respond to aid victims. Most are nonprofits such as the American Red Cross or associated with faith groups such as the Baptist Men’s Association. Groups such as these are critical in providing food, shelter, clothing and damage assessment to those impacted in disaster zones.

Rowan County is fortunate in being home to several such organizations or representatives, many of whom have come together to create a county organization known as Rowan County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD). The county VOAD is styled on the North Carolina State VOAD.

In the event of a major disaster, VOAD members mobilize their volunteers and equipment to help their neighbors. In the chaos and confusion of a disaster, it is important that all disaster aid organizations, government or nonprofit, be able to coordinate with each other and know what each other’s capabilities are. This kind of knowledge prevents overlapping services, wasted time and resources and insures that those who need help the most will receive it quickly. Organizations currently participating in the Rowan County VOAD include:

Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Baptist Men’s Association
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Civil Air Patrol
Daymark Recovery Services
E.H.Dole Chapter, American Red Cross
Family Crisis Council
Franklin Township Fire Dept.
Lutheran Disaster Response
Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare
Rowan County Emergency Services
Rowan Helping Ministries
Rowan County United Way
The Salvation Army

Other organizations that have disaster response as a part of their mission are welcome to join the VOAD. For more information regarding the VOAD, contact Deborah Lineberger at 704-633-3854, ext. 106.

05-Sep-2009: Local Red Cross Chapter Upgrades Readiness Rating
Each year, Red Cross Chapters go through a Chapter Disaster Readiness Assessment (CDRA) to determine how well the Chapter is prepared and at what level for disaster assistance in their community. The CDRA assesses staff readiness and training, volunteer readiness and training, disaster fundraising, equipment readiness and resource availability. Among many other areas assessed, Chapter relationships with other disaster assistance agencies in the chapter area of responsibility are reviewed. Chapter ratings are based on the size of the disaster each is deemed capable of handling at any given time.

For some time previously, Rowan County's E.H. Dole Chapter has been rated as a "one family disaster" capable Chapter. Last year, the Chapter became "10 family disaster" capable. After this latest CDRA, we are proud to say the Chapter’s readiness rating has been raised to "50 family disaster" capable .

This achievement may not seem very significant to some, but a great deal of work and expense was required in the past year to get the Chapter to this point. Much of the credit goes to Deborah Lineberger, Red Cross Director of Emergency Services and Dick Smith, Director of Disaster Services. Having met this goal, the chapter is already working on getting to the next level, a "150 family disaster capable" Chapter.

Of course, being "50 family disaster" capable does not mean the Red Cross would not respond to larger events. The Chapter has agreements with other chapters and with the National Red Cross who would be called upon for assistance in a bigger event. To be prepared to respond to those disasters we all hope will never happen, dedicated volunteers are always needed. Our local Red Cross welcome citizens and community members who are interested in helping provide these needed services to the community. All training is provided & you will find the work challenging and worthwhile. Call Deborah Lineberger or Dick Smith at 704-633-3854 if you are interested in volunteering.

27-Aug-2009: 9/11 Event Memorial Information
Plans are underway for the local 9/11 Rememberance Memorial event to be held on September 11, 2009 at the Firefighter's Memorial, located in Chestnut Hill Cemetary off the 1400 block of S Main Street in Salisbury. As in past years, the event is in tribute to the fallen public safety personnel who gave their all in service to our fellow man on September 11, 2001. All public safety agencies and personnel as well as the public are invited to attend the event, which will begin at 8:45 am.

Download a copy of the event invitation
Download a copy of the event parking map

Agencies attending the event with larger apparatus vehicles are requested to park on Main Street or Fulton Street facing NORTH. Smaller transportation vans or passenger vehicles are requested to use any of the designated parking lot areas outlined on the parking map.

14-Jun-2009: West Liberty Fire Department Holds Open House for New Station

Sunday afternoon marked a special day for the members of the Liberty Fire Department and their community when a dedication was held to celebrate the opening of their new rebuilt fire station on Bringle Ferry Road. The original station was destroyed by fire last year. The new station offers four drive through bays, kitchen, meeting area, office and storage room, and was constructed on the same site that the former building occupied.

13-Jun-2009: Fire & Rescue Association Holds 2009 Banquet & Awards Presentation

Rowan County's Fire & Rescue Association held it's annual 2009 banquet and awards presentation on June 13 at the First Baptist Church in Salisbury. The event, attended by some 170 personnel representing the various fire and rescue agencies in the county attended. News Anchor Natalie Pasquarella from WSOC-TV Channel 9 in Charlotte hosted the evening as mistress of ceremonies.

Annual awards presented included the following:
- Telecommunicator of the Year: David "Dav-i" Earnhardt, Rowan County Telecommunications
- Medical Responder of the Year: Wendy Yates; Locke Fire Department
- Rookie of the Year: Terri Welch; Locke Fire Department
- Rescuer of the Year: Bradley McKnight; Locke Fire Department
- Firefighter of the Year: Lonnie Owens; Woodleaf Fire Department
- Company Officer of the Year: Mark Troublefield; Granite Quarry Fire Department
- Chief Officer of the Year: John Thomason; Franklin Township Fire Department
- Rowan County Emergency Services; Fire Division Award: GIS Technician Columbus Hawks

Miss Flame: Rachel Russell; West Rowan Fire Department

Little Miss Flame: Savanna Alligood; Millers Ferry Fire Department

Little Fire Chief: Jackson LaTurno; Locke Fire Department

The Rowan County Honor Guard recognized the following Fire and Rescue personnel who passed away in the last year:

- Floyd Morgan- Union Fire Department
- Bill Misenheimer- West Liberty Fire Department
- John Webb- Salisbury Fire Department
- Van Brown- Faith Fire Department
- Thomas Neill Jr.- Spencer Fire Department
- Walter Bostian- Millers Ferry Fire Department
- Robert Hunter- Woodleaf Fire Department
- Capt. M.L. Stone- Salisbury Fire Department
- Telecommunicator Mary Ruth Rogers- Salisbury Fire Department
- Capt. James David (Sonny) Livengood- Salisbury Fire Department
- Eng. William (Bill) Cross- Salisbury Fire Department
- Walter Chaney – Salisbury Fire Department
- Alward (Mac) MacDonald – Atwell Fire Department
- Chester Basinger – Salisbury Fire Department
- Telecommunicator Robin Foster- Rowan County Telecommunications

Event photographs are available here.

Video presentations available for viewing include a collage of incident responses and a community thank you from citizens to the agencies.

23-May-2009: Rowan EMS recognizes National EMS Week with Activities

Rowan County's EMS system recognized national EMS week during May 17-23 with numerous activities around the county. A community meet and greet was held on May 16 at the Salisbury Mall and on May 21 at the Salisbury Wal-Mart with citizens able to see response vehicles from numerous public safety agencies. Personnel from EMS, rescue, fire, law enforcement and 911 were on-hand to greet citizens and answer questions. Air medical helicopters from Carolinas Medical Center as well as North Carolina Baptist Hospital were on-site for attendees to view as well.

Rowan Regional Medical Center provided lunch for local EMS responders during three days of the week to say thank you. The week ended with a department picnic at Dan Nicholas Park on Sunday, May 23. Medical Responder Trey Hoshell with Cleveland Fire Department was awarded the 2009 Rufus Honeycutt Medical Responder of the Year award for outstanding assistance to the county's EMS system.

Finally, but certainly not least, a special thanks to EMS Week committee members Althea Smith, Jessica Karriker, Sylvia Hoffner, Grayson Gusa, Deborah Horne, Sally Myers, Monica Evans, Nick Goodman and Bryan Little for putting together a memorable week for everyone!

19-May-2009: EMS Personnel Honored by Salisbury Rotary Club
Members of the Salisbury Rotary Club honored two of Rowan County's Paramedics with the 2009 Veteran and Rookie of the Year Award for service to the community.

Paramedic Daniel Hallman was recognized as Rookie of the Year. A graduate of South Rowan High School, Hallman is a medic with the NC Air National Guard and has served in two overseas deployments. Hallman came to Rowan's EMS Division while completing his civilian paramedic class. Hallman was noted in his ability to quickly grasp changes, be a consummate professional, having excellent patient care and presenting a calm demeanor to patients and their families.

Paramedic Althea Smith Paramedic / Assistant Supervisor Althea Smith was named Veteran of the Year. With 22 years of service to Rowan County, Smith has progressed from EMT to Paramedic and currently serves as an Assistant Shift Supervisor. A caring and expirenced Paramedic, and one who is noted for bringing out the best in co-workers, Smith is a model for anyone interested in a career in EMS. Smith also actively serves as the Division's coordinator for the Medical Responder Program and also volunteers to coordinate many other department activities during the year.

9-May-2009: Fire / Rescue Association Holds Annual Firemen's Muster
The 2009 Rowan County's Fire & Rescue Associations Annual Fireman's Muster, hosted by Locke Fire Department was held today. Twelve departments from across the county joined for a day of comradrie, fun and competition. Events began at 9:00am with a apparatus judging contest on various catagories of fire vehicles, with awards going to:


Antique Class	China Grove Engine 431
1980-1989 Class	Miller Ferry Ladder 64
1990-1999 Class	Franklin Engine 551
2000-2009 Conventional Class	Atwell Tanker 405
2000-2009 Custom Class	Locke Engine 633
Rescue Class	Franklin Rescue 55
Brush Truck Class	Bostain Heights Brush 417

Competition events followed with awards going to:

	Bucket Brigade	Tug of War	Firefighter Challenge	Turnout Race	Waterball
1st Place	Franklin	Bostain Heights	Granite Quarry	Liberty	Miller Ferry
2nd Place	Spencer	Spencer	Spencer	Atwell	Bostain Heights
3rd Place	Bostain Heights	Franklin	Franklin	Franklin	Granite Quarry

Overall event standings:

Bostain Heights - 47 points
Spencer - 46 points
Franklin - 42 points
Granite Quarry - 41 points
Atwell - 39 points
Miller Ferry - 34 points
Locke - 34 points
Gold Hill - 29 points
Liberty - 29 points
Rockwell Rural - 23 points
West Rowan - 15 points
China Grove - 12 points

23-Apr-2009:  2009 Rowan County Fireman's Muster
All public safety agencies and the public is invited to come out for an enjoyable day May 9th for the 2009 Fireman's Muster, hosted by the Locke Fire Department.  Various departments in the county will be participating in competition events, along with an apparatus judging contest.

Events kick off at 9:00am with the apparatus judging contest, followed by competition events at 10:00am.

Additional information is available by downloading the event information, or by sending an email to the host department.

24-Apr-2009: Proclamation Recognizing 2009 EMS Week

At their regular meeting on April 20, 2009, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners recognized Rowan County's Emergency Medical Services System, it's employees, affiliated agencies and volunteers by issuing a formal proclamation recognizing their services to the community and citizens of Rowan County. The proclamation notes that the vital EMS system in our County consists of doctors, nurses, EMT's, paramedics, firefighters, telecommunicators and others providing skilled 24 hour a day services to the citizens.

The system provides access to quality emergency care which dramatically improves the survial and recovery rate of those who expirence sudden illness or injury and is "the safety net of the health care system".

A copy of the proclamation is available here for viewing or downloading.

1-Mar-2009: Proclamation Recognizing 2009 Severe Weather Awareness Week

At their regular meeting on March 2, 2009, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners recognized March 1 - 7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Rowan County. The proclamation encourages all citizens to become better prepared for storm and severe weather events when they strike. Helpful preparedness information is available from the ReadyROWAN! webpage here.

21-Nov-2008: Fire & Rescue Association Elects New Board for 2009

At it's November meeting, the members of the Rowan County Fire and Rescue Association elected it's new Board of Officers for the 2009 year. Elected were: President - John Morrison - West Rowan Fire Department; Vice President - Bradley McKnight - Locke Fire Department; Secretary - Bonnie Cress - Rockwell Rural Fire Department; Treasurer - Sue Choate - Rockwell Rural Fire Department and Chaplain -Charles Miller - Gold Hill Fire Department.

3-Nov-2008: New Central Salisbury EMS Station Open, Board of Commissioners Approve Dedication

By Department Staff and Jesse Burchette - Salisbury Post. Friday, October 31 marked a special day for the personnel of the Emergency Services Department and for Rowan County, including the citizens of the City of Salisbury. The long awaited construction of a new EMS station in central Salisbury had been completed. During the day Friday and through the weekend, department staff and personnel moved vehicles and Rowan County EMS Station 85 equipment into the new station and began providing operations from a downtown Salisbury location. The last permanent station in downtown Salisbury was prior to 1993 at the intersection of North Main and West Liberty Street, next to what is now the Rowan County Justice Center. Since then ambulance units serving the area were stationed at two temporary residences in downtown and most recently at the county's Emergency Operations Center on Old Concord Road and the Rowan Rescue Squad building on Julian Road. The 5000 square foot station houses two staffed paramedic ambulances and crews, one reserve ambulance, and the multi-jurisdictional Mobile Incident Command Unit.

Also, the county's new EMS Station in Salisbury will honor a man who spent decades providing emergency services to county residents. The Rowan County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to name the station for Charles Luther Ridenhour, who was a member of the Rowan Rescue squad and a part-time EMS employee when he died in 2001 at the age of 72.

Ridenhour's family, including, his wife, Lenora, wiped tears as commissioners voted to approve the dedication. A ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the station located at the corner of North Shaver and East Council streets.

Charles L Ridenhour "We're not dedicating any junk to Mr. Ridenhour," Arnold Chamberlain said, adding, "It's really something." Lenora Ridenhour agreed and went on to add, "I was a very fortunate lady." Chamberlain recalled that Ridenhour was one of the busiest people he ever knew. "He was a real man, and he could get it done."

Ridenhour, who operated Ridenhour Grocery Store and Ridenhour Pump and Electric in the Ellis community, was a charter member of the Ellis Cross Country Volunteer Fire Department. He won the county's top honor as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 1994.

Frank Thomason, emergency services director, read off a list of Ridenhour's service to the county. He pursued his EMT-Paramedic credentials but became ill before he could successfully pass the test. Thomason said Ridenhour was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, person to take the paramedic test.

"Charles was a very respectable man, citizen and co-worker. Many people called him by his given name of Charles," Thomason said. "A few of us called him 'Pawpaw,' and to this day, there are still people who refer to him as Mr. Ridenhour. I think this shows the level of respect that was given to Charles."

A veteran of the Korean War, Ridenhour served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He retired a first sergeant with the N.C. National Guard after 28 years of service in 1989.

23-Oct-2008: New Medical Directors named for EMS Division

Dr. Ronnie Barrier and Dr. Bertrand Fote have been named new medical directors of Rowan County's EMS System effective October 6. Barrier, named the System's Medical Director, is a local physician with Rowan Family Physicians. He is also a medical responder with Liberty Fire Department and has been active in various public safety response initatives. Fote has been named the System's Assistant Medical Director, and is a Emergency Department Physician with Rowan Regional Medical Center.

The EMS System's Medical Directors are responsible for providing general medical oversight of the delivery of basic and advanced life support care to the County's citizens. The EMS System consists of the County's paramedic ambulance service, emergency medical dispatch (EMD) program, franchised ambulance agencies, and certified medical responder agencies.

22-Oct-2008: EMS Division Participates in Alcohol Accident Simulation Event at Catawba College

By Catawba College Media Office - Officials from the Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Rowan County Alcoholic Beverage Control, local police, emergency medical services and fire agencies converged near the Student Volunteer simulates part of accident victim Chapel lawn at Catawba College on Tuesday for a simulation of an alcohol-related car accident. The event, coordinated through the College's Office of Student Affairs was one of several planned during the week to mark National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week October 20th through October 24th.

Student volunteers took part in the accident simulation which even included a landing at the scene of Carolinas Medical Center's helicopter, Medflight. Members of the campus community gathered around the scene to watch and traffic on West Innes Street during the one-hour simulation was rerouted down Summit Avenue to Yost Street to North Park Drive and then back onto Innes.

Additional event pictures available here.

14-Sep-2008: Annual Report of Fire Conditions Due
All Rowan County Fire Districts that are participants in the NC Fireman's Relief Fund are reminded to submit your annual "Report of Fire Conditions" no later than October 30, 2008. Rural fire districts should complete the rural report form, which is available from the Office of State Fire Marshal's website, to the Rowan County Finance Office as outlined in the reminder letter which was mailed to all districts on September 4. All participating municipal fire districts should submit the municipal report form through your municipal governing body/finance clerk.

11-Sep-2008: Honoring the Fallen
By Shavonne Potts - Salisbury Post. One chime followed another after a moment of silence for those who sacrificed their lives during Sept. 11 and in this year's fire at Salisbury Millwork took up that quiet space.

Firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel representing dozens of Rowan County departments lined the perimeter of the Salisbury-Rowan Firefighter's Memorial Thursday morning. The men and women, wearing dress blues and badges with a black stripe, gathered along South Main Street at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

The memorial ceremony was another way to honor Salisbury firefighters Victor Isler and Justin Monroe, who died fighting the Salisbury Millwork fire in March. "It's significant to the city and fire departments especially this year because of Justin Monroe and Vic Isler," said Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell. "As we continue to grieve and heal, it's a way to continue to honor their memory," he said. Parnell said he found every moment of the ceremony moving. "I'm honored to walk on this sacred ground," he said.

As the honor guard made its way toward the center of the memorial's Wall of Honor, bagpiper Bobby Hunter played. The honor guard is made up of officers with the Salisbury Police and Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Members of the Rowan County Emergency Services placed a wreath at the center of the wall of honor. Emergency Services Staff Placing Wreath at Memorial

"Today we salute the life and memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11," said the Rev. Mike Taylor, chaplain with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

John Morrison, president of the Rowan Fire and Rescue Association, recalled watching the news on the day of the attacks. "This is a day that I will not forget, nor should any American," Morrison said.

Rowan County Commissioner Chad Mitchell spoke about the attack that was not only on American soil, but on "the American soul." Mitchell offered thanks to those men and women whose "nature is to never stop."

Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz spoke about Monroe and Isler giving their lives. "That risk is real," she said of the hundreds of military, emergency services, law enforcement, fire and rescue workers who answer the call to serve every day. "Our community is a better place. We've gained new understanding of what it means to risk a life," she said.

Jennifer Spry attends the memorial ceremony every year to support the men and women who serve. Her husband, Michael Spry is a captain with the Salisbury Fire Department. "I appreciate them having a service like this," Spry said. Spry is a member of the Salisbury Fire Department's newly established Salisbury Fire Auxiliary. The group had its first meeting in July. Linda Stevens, a fellow auxiliary member, said it was in March after the deaths of Isler and Monroe that members saw the need to have such an organization.

Just seven years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were lost the day terrorists attacked on Sept. 11. This past year, at least eight lives were lost locally:

- Joseph Albright, Spencer Fire.
- Max Deal, Mount Mitchell Fire.
- Tim Hand, Rowan Rescue, West Liberty Fire.
- Victor Isler, Salisbury Fire.
- Bill Misenheimer, West Liberty Fire.
- Justin Monroe, Salisbury Fire, Miller's Ferry Fire, Spencer Fire.
- Lewis Stone, Salisbury Fire.
- John Webb, Salisbury Fire.

See additional photos of the event here.

25-Aug-2008: Annual 9/11 Memorial Event Planned
Plans are underway for the local 9/11 Rememberance Memorial event to be held on September 11, 2008 at the Firefighter's Memorial, located in Chestnut Hill Cemetary off the 1400 block of S Main Street in Salisbury. As in past years, the event is in tribute to the fallen public safety personnel who gave their all in service to our fellow man on September 11, 2001. All public safety agencies and personnel as well as the public are invited to attend the event, which will begin at 9:30 am.

Download a copy of the event invitation
Download a copy of the event parking map

14-Jun-2008: County Fire & Rescue Association Holds Annual Banquet
The Rowan County Fire & Rescue Association held it's 2008 annual banquet on June 14 at the Millbridge Ruritan Building. Jennifer Moxley with News 14 Carolina was the hostess for the evening. The catering was provided by Creative Touches Catering in Rockwell.

Judges for annual firefighter awards included Vernon Ward with the NC Office of State Fire Marshal, Deputy Chief Curtis Teague with Concord Fire and Life Safety, and Detective Sam Henline from the Rowan County Sheriffs Department. Awards received in firefighter catagory included:

Chief Officer of the Year:
Runner-Up; Chief Kenny Payne, Cleveland Fire Department-recently retired from Salisbury FD
Winner; Asst Chief David Linker, Locke Fire Department

Firefighter of the Year:
Runner-up; Matt Misenheimer, Bostian Heights Fire Department
Winner; Capt. Baxter (Buddy) Miller III ; Salisbury Fire Department

Rookie of the Year:

Runner-Up; Tyler Hamilton, Franklin Fire Department

Winner; Kevin Johnson, Locke Fire Department

Rescuer of the Year:
Runner-Up; Mark Kyles, Franklin Fire Department
Winner; James Hall, Locke Fire Department

Medical Responder of the Year:
Runner-Up; Gary Lang, Franklin Fire Department
Winner; Linda Kennedy, Woodleaf Fire Department

Judges for the annual pagent awards included Steve Simpson, Deborah Lineberger, and Marci Moose, all with EH Dole Red Cross. Awardrs received in the annual pagent included:

Little Fire Chief (contestants ages 6-10)

Benjamin Wright; East Gold Hill Fire Department

Little Miss Flame (contestants ages 6-10)

Faith Moore; Woodleaf Fire Department

Miss Flame (contestants ages 14-18)
Rachel Russell; West Rowan Fire Department

All winners of the pageant will ride in the Faith 4th parade as well as the Salisbury Christmas Parade.

Fire Marshal Tom Murphy and Fire Inspector Deborah Horne awarded South Salisbury Fire personnel Deputy Chief Darrell Nichols, Firefighter Stephen Carter and NC SHP Trooper David Deal with the Rowan County Emergency Services/Fire Division Award for saving the life of a homeowner who collasped in cardiac arrest at the scene of a residential house fire on Peach Orchard Road.

Additionally, the entire County Telecommunications department was honored with the annual 911/Telecommunicator of the Year Award for their handling of the Salisbury Millworks Fire and the coordination assistance provided in the weeks after.

The Rowan County Honor Guard recognized the following Fire and Rescue personnel who passed away in the last year:
Joseph Albright, Spencer Fire Department
Max Deal, Mt. Mitchell Fire Department
Tim Hand, Rowan County Rescue Squad, West Liberty Fire Department
Victor Isler, Salisbury Fire Department
Bill Misenheimer, West Liberty Fire Department
Justin Monroe, Salisbury Fire Dept, Millers Ferry Fire Dept, Spencer Fire Dept
Lewis Stone, Salisbury Fire Dept

Event photographs are available here.
Incident slideshows shown at event available: "Every Day" - "Come Together"

13-Jun-2008: Williams Gas Pipeline Announces Expansion in Rowan County
Williams Gas Corporation, which operates a major underground natural gas pipeline utility through Rowan County has announced plans to expand some of the underground facilities that run through the County due to growth and increased demand in the area. According to Bradley Lushbaugh, Team Leader of the project, the project will involve upgrades of existing compressor stations and the addition of underground pipelines from Alabama through North Carolina. Detailed information on the project is available at www.williams.com/85north. Public input is encouraged by submitting comments or questions to Lushbaugh at 434-964-2105 or pipeline_expansion@williams.com. Additional licensing proposal documents may be obtained by accessing reference docket number PF08-21 on the Federal Energy Response Commission (FERC) website from http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/fercgensearch.asp.

28-May-2008: EMS Division Treatment Protocol Update
After a long and tenuous update and review process, the EMS Division has received notification from the State of North Carolina that it's submission of a new updated treatment and procedure protocol set has received approval. The new protocols will go into effect June 1, 2008. Local agencies may download a copy of the document here. Questions may be directed to the department training officer at 704-216-8911.

24-May-2008: Deal Recognized at Annual EMS Event
Atwell firefighter and medical responder Keith Deal received the 2008 Rufus H Honeycutt Jr Award for work as a medical responder and assistance to the county's EMS Division. Deal was recognized at the department's annual EMS Week picnic event at Dan Nicholas Park on May 24. In it's third year, the award is given annually to a Rowan County Medical Responder who have made significant contributions to the county EMS system over the last year. The award is named after former Commissioner Rufus Huneycutt, who was an advocate for improvements in Emergency Medical Care for Rowan County's citizens, and was instrumental in establishing the County's EMS ambulance service in 1984.

21-May-2008: Fire & Rescue Association Plans Annual Banquet
The arrangements have been finalized for the annual banquet of the Rowan County Fire & Rescue Association. The banquet will be held on Saturday, June 14 at Millbridge Ruritan Club located at 490 Sloan Road, Mount Ulla, starting at 6:00pm. Creative Touches Catering from Rockwell has agreed to cater the event.

Annual Association awards to area fire/rescue personnel will be recognized in the following catagories:

Fire Chief of the Year
Firefighter of the Year
Medical Responder of the Year
Little Fire Chief
Little Miss Flame
Miss Flame
Rescuer of the Year
Rookie of the Year

The cost of meal is $10.00 per person. Public safety departments and personnel planning to attend need to contact Deborah Horne with the County Fire Division at 704-216-8917 or email at deborah.horne@rowancountync.gov no later than Friday, June 6th at 5:00pm.

20-May-2008: Paramedics Recognized by Salisbury Rotary Club
Congratulations to EMS Division Paramedics Monica Evans and Kevin Nail for being recognized by the Salisbury Rotary Club during their 2008 Public Safety Personnel Awards Presentation. Evans, who joined the division in April was awarded the EMS Rookie of the Year Award. She was recognized for her professionalism and competency. A native of Davidson County, Evans has also obtained her Associates Degree in EMS from Davidson County Community College. Nail, who was awarded the EMS Veteran of the Year Award, has been with Rowan County for six years. He was recognized for his calmnness, ability to treat patients, and making skilled interventions which have led to the saving of four citizen lives over the last year. He also acts as his shift's field training officer, helping to supervise, mentor, and coach new personnel.

16-May-2008: Proclamation Recognizing EMS Week
At their regular meeting on May 5, 2008, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners recognized Rowan County's Emergency Medical Services System, it's employees, affiliated agencies and volunteers by issuing a formal proclamation recognizing their services to the community and citizens of Rowan County. The proclamation notes that the vital EMS system in our County consists of doctors, nurses, EMT's, paramedics, firefighters, telecommunicators and others providing skilled 24 hour a day services to the citizens.

A copy of the proclamation is available here for viewing or downloading.

12-May-2008: Emergency Preparedness Guide Available to Public
What to do when disaster threatens or strikes is the key to this 38-page Emergency Preparedness Guide for citizens and businesses to help you become better aware and prepared in event of disaster situations. Areas covered in the booklet includes how to create a basic emergency plan, preparing a disaster supply kit, evacuation, and how to deal with specific emergency or disaster situations. This booklet is free to the public. To get your copy, simply drop us an email!

10-May-2008: Citizen Disaster Preparedness Educational Event * LOCATION CHANGE *
The Salisbury Fire Department cordially invites citizens to attend a Disaster Preparedness Education Session on Thursday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Salisbury Fire Department Station #1, 514 E. Innes Street. Due to predicted inclement weather for Thursday, the location of this event has been moved from the Wal-Mart Supercenter on S Arlington St.

Chief Bob Parnell of the Salisbury Fire Department offers, "It is imperative that citizens be prepared for emergencies and disaster situations. The Salisbury Fire Department is proud to partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Nascar Angel’s organization to provide this educational outreach session. By sharing important tips and helpful information with our citizens, we can assist in readying home and car in the event of a disaster." Portions of the educational session will be videotaped and included in the nationally-syndicated episode of Nascar Angel’s, NASCAR’s reality-based TV show. The segment will air later this year in both July and September with a third re-broadcast occurring in 2009. The Disaster preparedness program is complimentary and first arrivals will receive a FREE mini-backpack first aid kit. Attendees will be eligible for a variety of door prizes including two disaster preparedness demonstration kits.

For more information regarding the Disaster Preparedness Educational Session, citizens are to contact Battalion Chief David Morris at 704-638-5360 or via email at dmorr@salisburync.gov.

3-May-2008: Annual Fire Muster Fun for All
Rowan County's Fire & Rescue Associations Annual Fireman's Muster was held at Dan Nicholas Park today, hosted by Union Fire Department. Some 14 departments from across the county came together for a day of fun and competition. Events began at 9:00am with a apparatus judging contest on various catagories of fire vehicles. Winners were:

2008 Fireman's Muster Apparatus Contest
Brush Truck	Woodleaf - Brush 777
EMS Vehicle	Locke - Squad 63
Service / Rescue Vehicle	Franklin - Rescue 55
Antique	Faith - Engine 2
1990-1999 Custom	Granite Quarry - Engine 571
1990-1999 Conventional	Union - Engine 762
2000-present Custom	Faith - Engine 543
2000-present Conventional	Atwell - Tanker 405

At 10:00 am the department competition events began which ran through mid-afternoon. Departments entering teams to this year's events included: Franklin, Rockwell City, Faith, West Rowan, Atwell, Spencer, Rockwell Rural, Union, Liberty, Granite Quarry, Bostian Heights, Gold Hill, Locke, and Millers Ferry.
Winners placing this year were:

2008 Fireman's Muster Competitive Events
	Tug of War	Turnout Race	Bucket Brigade	Water Ball	Firefighter Challenge	Overall
1st Place	Atwell	Liberty (36.98s)	Rockwell City	Locke	Faith (1:15.22)	Liberty
2nd Place	Rockwell Rural	Franklin (38.04s)	Liberty	Millers Ferry	Bostian Heights (1:24.77)	Faith
3rd Place	Gold Hill	Atwell (38.50s)	Faith	Gold Hill	Franklin (1:24.85)	Franklin

Individual Team Times - Firefighter Challenge
(times include any assessed penalities)

Faith	01:15.2
Bostain Heights	01:22.7
Franklin	01:24.8
Rockwell City	01:26.1
Millers Ferry	01:28.9
Granite Quarry	01:30.0
Locke	01:35.1
Spencer	01:35.2
West Rowan	01:41.4
Atwell	01:43.8
Union	01:44.2
Gold Hill	01:57.5
Liberty	02:09.3
Rockwell Rural	02:09.4

Individual Team Times - Turnout Race:
(times include any assessed penalities)

Liberty	00:36.9
Franklin	00:38.0
Atwell	00:38.5
Locke	00:38.8
Bostain Heights	00:41.1
Granite Quarry	00:41.9
Gold Hill	00:42.0
Spencer	00:44.5
Faith	00:45.0
Union	00:46.0
Rockwell City	00:46.2
Millers Ferry	00:49.0
Rockwell Rural	01:01.1
West Rowan	n/a

30-Apr-2008: EMS Week Public Activities
Plans are well underway for a week long list of activities and events recognizing Emergency Medical Services Week in Rowan County during May 18 - 24. The County Board of Commissioners will consider issuing an proclamation recognizing local EMS personnel at their May 5 meeting.

A large equipment display of all types of emergency services vehicles along with blood pressure checks and other EMS/safety materials will be available to the public at the Salisbury Mall on Sunday afternoon, May 18 from 1 to 5 pm. EMS, fire and other local public safety personnel will be on hand for demonstrations and to answer questions from the public. A similar event is also scheduled from 10am - 3pm on Wednesday, May 21 at Wal-Mart on S Arlington St in Salisbury.

29-Apr-2008: 2008 Rowan County Fireman's Muster
All public safety agencies and the public is invited to come out for an enjoyable day at Dan Nicholas Park on May 3rd for the 2008 Fireman's Muster, hosted by the Union Fire Department. 14 fire departments in the county have registered to participate in this year's competition events, including a tug-of-war, turnout race, bucket brigade relay, water ball, and a physical firefighter challenge.

Events kick off at 9:00am with a apparatus judging contest in the catagories of Antique,1990 – 1999 (Custom & Conventional), 2000 – up (Custom & Conventional), Brush Truck, EMS Vehicle, and Service/Rescue Unit.

Additional information is available by downloading the event information, viewing the schedule of events, or by sending an email to the host department.

11-Jun-2007: Liberty Fire Department Station Lost to Fire
By Shavonne Potts & Jesse Burchette: Salisbury Post
The cause of a fire that destroyed a Liberty Volunteer Fire Department building early Monday morning will never be known. Insurance investigators and the county fire marshal concluded late Monday that the fire's origin is officially undetermined. Damage to the structure made it impossible to pinpoint the cause, according to Frank Thomason, county emergency services director.

Parts of the fire station roof collapsed around one firefighter, who managed to escape with minor injuries.
Neighbors called to report the fire at the 9000 Bringle Ferry Road fire station around 4:30 a.m. They reported seeing flames coming from the roof. Darrell Connor lives not far from the station and heard a siren going off sometime before 4 a.m. "The siren hasn't been working for years," Connor said later Monday. When the retired sheriff's deputy realized the out-of-service siren was blaring, he called the county's emergency communications center. Employees there told Connor they didn't sound the siren. Connor drove to the station and arrived to see a basketball-sized fireball shooting from the front of the building. He drove back home and told his girlfriend to call 911. "When I came back about five minutes later, I saw flames shooting out of the roof," Connor said.

The blaze was contained inside the fire station. A building a few yards away that housed a grocery store from 1948 to 1977 was not damaged. Connor said his family ran that store and rented the back part out as living space.
No one lives in the building now. Firefighters were able to remove four of the five vehicles parked in the fire station bay, Thomason said. Sometime after the flames were extinguished, the remaining tanker truck was pulled out using a backhoe. It didn't appear to have suffered major damage to the interior or exterior. Thomason explained that the major flammable-type products at the station were on the trucks, which were moved. The only other minor flammables still in building would've been in storage.

While inside the building battling the blaze, Thomason said, firefighter Nick Rogers heard the walls beginning to collapse around him and tried to get out. Rogers didn't make it out before the brick walls, roof and debris caved in on him. "He heard it coming and dove to a safe corner," Thomason said. Rogers was taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and released. During cleanup after the fire, Thomason pointed out the corner pocket into which the firefighter had wedged himself. It could barely be seen beneath the debris. There was no one in the building at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported except for those suffered by Rogers, who was responding to the fire.

The following agencies responded to the fire: Liberty, Rockwell Rural, Miller Ferry, Gold Hill, Union and Pooletown fire departments, Rowan County Rescue, Rowan EMS and the Rowan County Emergency Services Department.
The station, located on Bringle Ferry Road, is not the Liberty department's primary station. The primary station is located at Stokes Ferry and Saint Matthews Church roads. The station destroyed Monday, which is No. 60, was built in 1980.

Fire investigators were able determine that the fire started in the attic on the east side of the building. Thomason said investigators were able to confirm the spot where it started through video tape shot by neighbors. "The biggest thing was once the roof collapsed, the damage bring everything down. It displaces everything and makes it extremely difficult ( to determine the cause)" said Thomason. He said there was nothing in the attic prior to the fire.
Despite the blaze that destroyed the fire station, residents of the Liberty Volunteer Fire District shouldn't notice any change in service. "It will be business as usual," said Thomason. And insurance is believed to be sufficient to rebuild the station that was primarily constructed from funds earned by the sale of chicken and dumplings at the Rowan County Agricultural Fair. Insurance company representatives arrived as firefighters continued to douse the hot spots at the Bringle Ferry Road station.

Thomason said the fire department is required to have an engine-pumper on that side of the district. Work is already underway to find a place to house the equipment and handle responses.
Options include trying to find a business or someone who has a structure in the area that could temporarily serve the district. Insurance representatives have also discussed putting up some type of temporary structure to house the truck. Thomason said the surrounding volunteer departments are working to modify response protocol.
"In essence, it's going to be business as usual. We're going to make sure that they get whatever is needed," said Thomason.

One bit of good news is the insurance appears to be sufficient to cover the loss of the building and the damage to a 1987 Ford tanker truck. "It's a terrible loss for them, but its fortunate that they have good insurance," said Thomason. For decades, the Liberty department held out against having a fire tax district, using dozens of volunteers to cook chicken and dumplings. When the cooks aged out and volunteers became hard to get, the department became the last county department to ask for a fire tax. Liberty serves a 32-square-mile area along High Rock Lake. It's one of largest districts in the county. Liberty may also have the distinction of having the only fire station to burn in the county's history. "It's never happened before to my knowledge," said Thomason, who is also a longtime volunteer firefighter.

17-Feb-2000: Rowan Rescue Receives Paramedic Certification

The Rowan County Rescue Squad has received its certification from the State Office of EMS and is now a Paramedic Level Provider. Likewise, the squad has begun a peak time staffing program of providing paid certified rescue technicians at Station 91 during the weekday daytime hours. These persons can also respond a paramedic level ambulance in an emergency.