Hemby Bridge Fire Department

09/27/2025

As we prepare for potential inclement weather please review the Hazardous Weather Update from NC Emergency Management.

Safety & Prep Tips:
🚨 Never drive through flooded roads—Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
🚨 Charge phones/medical devices and check flashlights and batteries.
🚨 If you live in a flood-prone area, plan for alternate parking and routes.

09/25/2025

TRAFFIC ALERT – U.S. 74 Closed in Marshville

All travel lanes of U.S. 74 at East Main Street in Marshville are currently closed due to a downed utility pole and power lines. The roadway is expected to remain closed for the next 8 hours. This closure will likely cause significant travel delays throughout the day.

Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes to avoid the area. While traveling, please allow extra time for detours, be mindful of work crews in the area, and never attempt to drive around barricades or through closed sections of roadway. Motorists are also reminded to avoid distracted driving by keeping phones down and eyes on the road, especially during heavy delays.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as crews work to safely clear the roadway.

09/24/2025

Wayback Wednesday

📸 In the first photo, we look back to the day that Ralph Rowell was presented with the Chief’s Award by Chief Plowman, a moment that recognized his outstanding service, commitment, and impact on our department and community.

📸 Fast forward to many years later, and the same honor was bestowed upon Rick Plyler, presented by Chief Blythe, continuing a proud tradition of recognizing those who go above and beyond in their service to “Protect the Bridge.”

These moments are a reminder that while faces and leadership may change over the decades, the core values of service, brotherhood, and community never do.

09/24/2025

09/23/2025

Tidbit Tuesday: Fire Department Edition

The fire station as we know it has a long and fascinating history, tied directly to how the fire service itself has evolved.

🔥 Early Days: 1600s–1700s
In colonial America, fire companies had no true “stations.” Equipment like leather buckets, ladders, or hand-pulled pumps were stored in sheds, barns, or even scattered among volunteers’ homes. When a fire broke out, members raced from wherever they were to gather tools and respond.

🔥 The Rise of Firehouses: 1800s
With the growth of organized volunteer fire companies, cities began building dedicated firehouses. These were often modest brick or wood structures with big double doors and a bell tower to sound alarms. When horse-drawn steam engines became common in the mid-1800s, stations added stables, hay lofts, and sliding poles so firefighters could quickly reach the rigs.

🔥 Motorized Era: Early 1900s
The introduction of motorized apparatus transformed stations once again. Stable space gave way to wider apparatus bays, stronger flooring, and taller doors to fit heavy fire engines. Stations also began to include living quarters, watch rooms, and alarm systems so firefighters could respond faster around the clock.

🔥 Mid-Century Modernization: 1950s–1970s
As suburban communities grew, so did the need for more stations strategically placed to cut down response times. Stations from this era were functional, often one-story buildings with multiple bays, dormitories, kitchens, and dayrooms. The firehouse became both workplace and second home.

🔥 Today’s Stations: 21st Century
Modern fire stations reflect new priorities. Many include training rooms, fitness centers, advanced ventilation systems, and decontamination areas to protect firefighters from cancer risks. They’re designed not only to house apparatus but also to safeguard firefighter health, foster teamwork, and connect with the community through open houses, educational programs, and polling places.

🔥 Why They Exist
At every stage in history, the mission has been the same: get firefighters and equipment as close as possible to the community they protect. Whether it was a bucket shed in 1750 or a state-of-the-art facility in 2025, fire stations remain the heart of preparedness, service, and community.

09/23/2025

We are proud to announce that Station 51 located at 3502 Faith Church Rd is officially open and operating.
An Open House will be scheduled for a later date once we are fully settled in and we look forward to welcoming our community to tour the new station.
Thank you for your continued support as we begin this new chapter in our department’s history.

09/17/2025

“Not-So” Wayback Wednesday

For today’s feature we only go back to 2013 when members participated in the Union County Firefighters Competition. These events tested fireground skills, teamwork, and speed under pressure.

Competitions like these built camaraderie, showcased the dedication of our firefighters, and reminded us that training can be both challenging and fun.

The faces in this photo reflect the same spirit of commitment and pride that continues to drive our department today.

09/16/2025

Free Breast Cancer Screenings for Union County residents, sponsored by Firefighters for the Cure.
Registration is required, call 980-214-5238 to schedule your appointment.

09/16/2025

Hemby Bridge Fire Department is aware of the hydrant flushing on Idlewild Rd. This is being conducted by Union County Public Works.

A few reasons for hydrant flushing is to ensure water quality remains safe and clean, test hydrant performance for fire protection and maintains adequate water flow for emergency needs.

For questions or concerns, please contact Union County Public Works at 704-296-4210.

09/16/2025

Tidbit Tuesday: Fire Department Edition

No, our fire trucks don’t have jet engines mounted to the bumper, that’s the “Q”!

🚒🔊 The Legendary Q Siren
Ask any anyone who grew up near a firehouse what sound they’ll never forget, and chances are it’s the powerful wail of the Q siren.

🚒 🔊 Before the Q
In the early days, fire trucks relied on bells, hand-crank sirens, and air horns. They worked for their time, but as traffic picked up, firefighters needed something louder, stronger, and impossible to ignore.

🚒 🔊 The Arrival of the Q
When Federal Signal introduced the Q²B in the 1960s, it changed the fire service forever. Mounted proudly to the front bumper or grille, its big, chrome face and turbine-style grille weren’t just functional, they became part of the fire truck’s identity.

🚒🔊 That Sound
Unlike electronic sirens, the Q isn’t just noise, it’s mechanical muscle. An electric motor spins an impeller, forcing air through its stator, creating that deep rumble that swells into a piercing wail. You don’t just hear it, you feel it.

🚒 🔊 Still Going Strong
Even with today’s electronic sirens and air horns, many departments keep the Q front and center as the Q remains a symbol of tradition, strength, and urgency. For firefighters, the Q is more than a warning device. It’s a sound that says help is coming. For the public, it’s the reminder to clear the way. And for anyone who loves the fire service, that chrome face and unmistakable wail will always stir pride and respect.

09/16/2025

See flashing lights, slow down and move over! 🚒🚓🚑

There are thousands of crashes along the shoulder of a road each year — many involving emergency vehicles.

Help first responders help YOU — always move over! 🚓🚒🚑

*Some states have expanded laws to include all stopped vehicles.

09/11/2025

Today, one of our members chose to honor the fallen heroes of September 11th by taking on the StairMaster as a tribute to the 110 floors climbed by first responders at the World Trade Center.

Every step represents sacrifice, courage, and resilience. We remember those who gave everything that day and reaffirm our commitment to never forget.