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Bull City’s Re-Commissioned Rescue Company Goes Back Into Service After 19 Years

Residents are invited to attend and participate in this traditional fire service housing ceremony, which will culminate with all participants pushing the unit into the station. A reception and open house will follow the ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The re-commissioned unit will soon serve citywide as the department’s new heavy and special hazards rescue company. This unit’s history dates back to 1960, when the department’s original rescue truck was placed into service. At that time, it was a 1957 GMC that was provided by Durham County Civil Defense. The rescue truck was housed at Fire Station 2, and was staffed by firefighters who were trained by the Red Cross in first aid. 

In 1964, the rescue truck relocated to Fire Station 1 when the station first opened. When the North Carolina Emergency Medical System (EMS) began in 1969, all EMS emergencies were answered by Rescue 1, with the truck answering up to 30 calls per day.  In 1975, the rescue truck was renamed to Rescue 11 after the introduction of the Durham County EMS response units.

In 1998, the rescue truck was renamed back to the original designation of Rescue 1.  The rescue truck was decommissioned on May 22, 2000, when the squad program was introduced. During the years of its public safety service prior to its decommissioning in May 2000, Rescue 1 was the only fire department apparatus that had a designated crew of assigned firefighters.

Now, Rescue 1 is being brought back into service for the City of Durham.  The duties of the rescue company will include responding to vehicle extrications, residential and commercial structure fire response, building collapse, water rescue response, confined space rescue and high angle rescue.  With the exponential growth of Durham, the additional response that includes additional personnel and specialized equipment is a great resource for the department.

For on-site news media assistance at Saturday’s event, contact Durham Fire Department Assistant Chief Andy Sannipoli at (919) 802-8085.

Photo Caption:

Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos and Assistant Fire Chief Andy Sannipoli prepare to push Rescue 1 into Fire Station 1, and are inviting the community to join them on Saturday, November 16 at 10 a.m. as Rescue 1 comes back into service for the Bull City.


About the City of Durham Fire Department

The Durham Fire Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Durham by minimizing the harmful effects of fires, medical emergencies, and other types of dangerous events. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department helps create a safer community by conducting fire and life safety education programs;  providing emergency responses to fires, medical calls, hazardous materials spills, technical rescue calls, and water rescue calls; explaining and enforcing the fire code; investigating arson and the cause of other fires; and maintaining readiness through constant training and maintenance of facilities and equipment. To learn more follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.