From a small community effort to today’s volunteer fire department.
Contentnea's story began before incorporation, when neighbors on Highway 42 West organized to protect one another. Generations of volunteers and community supporters built the department that serves the district today.
Jimmy Wise, Gene Clark and Robert Radford began discussing fire protection for the Highway 42 West community. The volunteers initially organized as Quaker Fire Department. Jimmy Wise was named the first chief, and early meetings took place in a nearby Forestry Service building.
Members raised money for the first pumper, a used 1959 Ford from the Knightdale Fire Department. They also acquired a 1962 oil tanker from Deans Oil Company and converted it for fire service.
The department leased its building at 4146 NC Highway 42 West under a 20-year lease with a purchase option.
The department received its charter and signed a fire protection agreement with Wilson County for the Highway 42 West District. It was incorporated as Contentnea Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Tommy Barnes became the second fire chief.
A 1950 Willys Jeep acquired through a Forestry Service grant was converted into a brush truck for outdoor fire response.
The department purchased the leased building at 4146 NC Highway 42 West.
A 1987 Chevrolet four-wheel-drive brush truck entered service, replacing the converted Jeep and carrying water and foam.
A Freightliner pumper was acquired for primary fire suppression, with a 1,000-gallon tank and 1,250-gpm pump.
A Freightliner tanker entered service as both the primary tanker and a secondary pumper.
The department purchased a GMC squad truck equipped for motor vehicle accidents, medical response, and extrication operations.
Ground was broken on the new fire station in 2018. The department moved into the completed facility in 2019.
Station 10 continues to build its training, staffing, apparatus, and community programs. The department reports a current ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 4.
These photographs come from our original History page. Our website administrator can upload permanent copies through the WordPress theme customizer.
VIEW ORIGINAL IMAGE ↗
VIEW ORIGINAL IMAGE ↗For the complete original photo archive and slideshow, visit our former History page ↗.
The ladies auxiliary played an essential role in the department's early years. Through fundraising and service, its members helped purchase equipment and support the firefighters' mission.
We recognize the families, volunteers and supporters who have helped Contentnea grow for generations.
The original department website also documents the recognition of Jimmy Wise, Linda Wise, and Randy Boykin. Photo credit listed there: Craig Deanhardt.
VIEW ORIGINAL IMAGE ↗Historical recognition noted on the original page: Jimmy Wise, Linda Wise, and Randy Boykin. Newspaper photograph credited there to Craig Deanhardt.
