Department History

Caldwell Fire Department founded in 1979
Chandler Cates gave us the best advice. Only buy new equipment and invest in a new building
The first training was done at the Caldwell Community Building
1979 Chevrolet FMC Pumper and Tanker were the first trucks purchased. Pumper is still in service
Caldwell was started because the time Hillsborough and Hurdle Mills (both all volunteer in 1979) need to drive to the scene the structure was lost
Larry Johnson was the first chief, Bryant Walker was next, then Andy Gates and current Chief Brad Allison
First call for Caldwell was a barn fire at Euric Rogers house. Building beside barn was saved but barn was lost
A phone tree was used to contact members when there was a call
With the first members, not everyone had turnout gear. It was first come, first served
Caldwell had the 1st First Responder program in the state of NC in 1980. White lab coats were worn on calls
Training tower was built in 1981. The first one in Orange County