History

The Bethany Fire Department was organized in 1973 following a residential fire that occurred in October 1972. The fire destroyed the house and severely injured a child. After the fire, the citizens of the community formed a committee charged with forming a fire department. On December 30, 1972, an election was held to determine if the citizens wanted to establish a fire district. A motion was made, and by a majority vote passed. The citizens had also agreed to tax themselves to finance the cost of the fire department.

On March 29, 1973, a special community meeting was held to generate interest in becoming volunteer firefighters. Over 150 people attended the meeting. Additional topics discussed at the meeting included; selection of fire commissioners, training, and the location of the fire department. On April 5, 1973, the citizens met with the fire marshal. The responsibilities and duties of chartering a fire department were discussed in detail. It was decided that the fire department would be governed by a board of directors consisting of seven people. The board would be responsible for selecting a fire chief, who would over see day to day operations. By June 1973, 35 individuals had signed up to become volunteer firefighters, and land for the fire station had been purchased. In addition, a ladies auxiliary had been formed to assist the firefighters.

The first truck was a used 1953 Ford pumper. A 1973 Ford pumper was also ordered. On August 15, 1973, the Bethany Fire Department was officially chartered and the constitution approved. Thirty people had completed their fire training and the station was put into service. During the past 30 years many citizens have served in the fire department. We would like to extend our thanks to those people for their dedication and service. Also, we would like to thank the citizens of Bethany for their continued support of the fire department.

Today

The Bethany Fire Department has seen many changes over the years, but its mission remains the same: to save lives and property. The fire department is located in south central Rockingham County, approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro. The department protects a largely agricultural area of 44 square miles with a population of 3,595 residents.

In May of 2007, the Department opened its second Fire Station in response to the explosive residential growth in the southern portion of the Fire District. Between the two stations the Department maintains and responds with a fleet of 8 apparatus which respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and medical emergencies. Station 2 currently houses four resident firefighters that hold state Firefighter II and EMT certifications.  The Department also provides Fire/Safety Education to approximately 400 students at Bethany Elementary School.

The department currently has 47 volunteer members and 5 paid part-time employees. Of those, 21 are Level II state certified Firefighters, 18 are state certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and 12 are state certified Level II Fire Instructors. Also, 17 are employed as full time firefighters or paramedics at other agencies. In 2003, the department began staffing with one part-time Firefighter/EMT during the hours of 0730-1530 hours, Monday through Friday. In June of 2007, we increased our daytime staffing to two on selected days. This staffing has allowed the department to decrease response times during the day, when many volunteer members are outside the district. The part time personnel also assist with truck and equipment maintenance, reports, fire prevention, hydrant testing, and pre-plans. As with any organization, our personnel remain our most important asset. Our members dedicate countless hours and sacrifice time away from their families to ensure Bethany will remain a safe place to live.