Salem Fire Rescue opens new Station 1

When firefighters extinguish a blaze, they uncouple the hoses and drain the water before loading them back onto the truck. The process is a mark of completing the task.

The Salem Fire & Rescue team and the community used a symbolic uncoupling ceremony to celebrate the end of construction and the opening of their new Station 1 on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Station 1 is at 1315 Salem Road, just behind where the previous building stood. An indent in the pavement is all that remains of the former station.

With everyone assembled in the firetruck bay, Chief Charles Autrey welcomed the supporters joining the department on this significant day. Over the past 10 years, the Salem Fire & Rescue Board of Directors has been saving money for this new and improved building. Read more about the background of the building in The Paper’s Aug. 10 edition.

Autrey thanked everyone involved with this long-awaited project for their hard work such as the firefighters, the board, community leaders, Sen. Warren Daniel and his wife, contractor Wilkie Construction, and Civic Federal Credit Union for financing the building.

The chief also recognized other community leaders in attendance such as County Commission Chairman Jeff Brittain and newly hired Burke County EMS Director James Robinson.

“We thank you all for your hard work and all the hours you put in for the building we have,” Autrey said. “We built this building to serve us for 50 years, just like the old building did.”

Supporters also acknowledged Autrey’s hard work and dedication and the importance of the new station.

Following his speech, Autrey invited the building committee to join him in the hose uncoupling ceremony. They gathered on each side and uncoupled the hoses, officially opening Station One.

The chief then made the “first call” to Burke County 911 dispatch over the radio, declaring the station open for service.

The celebration continued throughout the evening as firefighters gave attendees tours of the new building and enjoyed refreshments. Each family was also able to pick up the 50th anniversary coins. The coins were created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Salem Fire & Rescue in 2020 but COVID restrictions halted their distribution.