In the spring of 1956, after two or more fires in the community, the need for a Fire Department was realized. At that time, Statesville would dispatch the county truck to Stony Point, but no other firemen. By the time the truck arrived at the location the fire would be to advanced to extinguish.
The members of the Lions Club voted to establish a Fire Department. Each member contributed ; an amount from the club's treasury was used for beginning capital. The Lion's Club also voted to build the building and buy the equipment. It would then be turned over to the Board of Directors elected by the people of the community. Members of the club personally contacted each household and business within a four-mile radius. They found both the community and the businesses to be in favor of the causes and they were generous with their contributions.
A lot was leased from the Alexander County Railroad and a building was started. Two new trucks were purchased locally and delivered to American LaFrance, which built the equipment for the trucks. In January 1957, the Board of Directors was elected and their first meeting was held. Max Crouch was elected President. Other officers elected were Knox Rimmer, Fire Chief; Homer Goode, Assistant Chief; Lehman Keen, Treasurer; Hulette Norton, Secretary.
In March, twenty firemen were accepted by the Board to begin training. A gift of a Cadillac Ambulance was received from Adams Funeral Home to be used by the Fire Department. It was used until 1961, when its use was discontinued due to obsolescence.
By July 1957, the Fire Department was experiencing financial difficulties. The firemen began raising money themselves to pay local operating expenses. This continued for several years. The treasurer's report for July 1961 showed a balance of .35 in the department's account.
Homer Goode left Stony Point in the summer of 1958 and was replaced as Assistant Chief by Hulette Norton. The Board of Directors was reduced from a membership of fifteen members to a membership of six. Knox Rimmer, who had moved out of the district, resigned as Chief and was replaced by Hulette Norton. Fred White was elected Assistant Chief. An effort was started to recruit new firemen. A number of new firemen were received and training began.
About this time, a new Jeep with a water tank and pump was purchased and put into service to better control off-road fires. In the late 1960's, a countywide radio communications system was implemented. It has since expanded to cover both Alexander and Iredell counties.
In October 1973, Hulette Norton resigned as Chief. Carlton Crouch became Chief and Tommy Cockrell as Assistant Chief. In order to receive a Class A Rural Classification, a new 750 GPM Pumper Truck was needed. The decision was made in December of 1975 to make the purchase. In June 1976, bids were received for the purchase of a new Ward LaFrance Fire Apparatus. A new stall to house the truck was then added to the station with donated labor, and the truck was delivered mid-year 1978.
In January 1988, Carlton Crouch retired as Fire Chief. Dale Price assumed the chief's position with Tommy Cockrell remaining Assistant Chief. In November of 1988, a new 100 GPM pumper/tanker was ordered. The new truck was delivered on November 21, 1989. In June of 1990, the land and building beside the fire department was purchased from the Alexander County Railroad, and the station was remodeled. On September 12, 1990, a chassis was purchased and the bed of another truck was used to make a brush vehicle.
At the end of 1997, Dale Price resigned as Fire Chief. Steve Lackey was appointed Chief, and Randy Dellinger was appointed Deputy Chief. Tommy Cockrell continued as Assistant Chief. In mid-year 1977, a truck was ordered and was received in early 1998. The truck was a pumper/tanker with a 1500 GPM pump. Also in late 1997, a new brush truck was delivered.
Today the community has a well-equipped, efficient Fire Department supported by a Fire District tax and twenty-nine firemen. These firefighter continue to contribute much time and energy to protect the lives and property in this Fire District.
Through these many years, from its organization to the present, many community members have supported and served as volunteers. We can be extremely proud of each and every one.
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