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Our History
Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., began operations in 1974 with 25 charter members. Newton Hampton was elected as Chief and Wilson Snowden as Assistant Chief. Ronald Thomas was elected as President and John Forbes as Treasurer.
The first fire station was the current Maple Station, which is located on Highway 158 in Barco. The new station was originally a service station and was converted to handle it’s new duties. After many years the station was purchased by the Currituck Ruritans with a down payment of $1,800. The first fire apparatus housed in the new fire department was an open cab Seagrave engine, purchased for just $1.00 and a 1947 Ford Engine purchased for only $700.00
	Maple Station

	Due to growth within Crawford Township a satellite station was acquired in Sligo at the intersection of Highway 168 and 32. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1989 and with the help of the community and the volunteers, a new, more modern building, was built and now serves as head quarters for Crawford Township VFD. Three pieces of apparatus were purchased from Virginia Beach in 1990.
	Two Seagrave engines and one Seagrave ladder were added to Crawford Township ’s rolling stock. Later a Grumman engine was added and just recently a new custom cab Seagrave engine was purchased. To meet the ever growing population and meet the new six road mile rule a new station was build close to the court house area. This station houses an engine, tanker and the ladder truck.
	Crawford Township VFD has seen many changes since the first members manned the trucks. Requirements from the State of North Carolina mandating training requirements have become more difficult to meet. Equipment changes have made it necessary to have on-going training to make sure everyone can operate the equipment, both proficiently and safely. Even the area of turn-out gear has changed.
Currituck Station

New gear has much better protection qualities. SCBA has changed drastically since 1977 with the advent of positive pressure, breathing apparatus for the fire fighter has become easier and much safer.Further changes have increased reliability, enhanced visibility and lightened the load the fire fighter must carry. It is Crawford Township’s position to provide the best available personal protective equipment for all its active members.
Crawford Township VFD members participate in all areas of operations. Not only do we fight fires, respond to auto accidents and brush fires, but we also test every foot of fire hose every year. We assist in pump testing every year, which takes almost all day. We care for the equipment carried on the trucks as it must be ready to use in an instant. Our trucks are kept clean and in very good repair so that they can respond quickly and safely. We are constantly adding new cutting edge technology to our equipment, such as the infrared camera that allows us to see in total darkness and thick smoke. We support a dive team, trained in water rescue and maintain a boat for them to work from. There are many facets to our Department that allows us to continue to grow and make our history.

New gear has much better protection qualities. SCBA has changed drastically since 1977 with the advent of positive pressure, breathing apparatus for the fire fighter has become easier and much safer.Further changes have increased reliability, enhanced visibility and lightened the load the fire fighter must carry. It is Crawford Township’s position to provide the best available personal protective equipment for all its active members.

Crawford Township VFD members participate in all areas of operations. Not only do we fight fires, respond to auto accidents and brush fires, but we also test every foot of fire hose every year. We assist in pump testing every year, which takes almost all day. We care for the equipment carried on the trucks as it must be ready to use in an instant. Our trucks are kept clean and in very good repair so that they can respond quickly and safely. We are constantly adding new cutting edge technology to our equipment, such as the infrared camera that allows us to see in total darkness and thick smoke. We support a dive team, trained in water rescue and maintain a boat for them to work from. There are many facets to our Department that allows us to continue to grow and make our history.

		Sligo Station

Click on picture to enlarge
		Click on picture to enlarge


	John Forbes - Treasurer



9/11 (memorial concert at Currituck Library)			Click on picture to enlarge

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