Chief Leslie Yelverton

Chief Leslie Yelverton served as Fire Chief of the Goldsboro Fire Department beginning in 1919. He served in a combination capacity as part volunteer, part paid employee. He was also the City Building Inspector beginning in 1923 as well as working with Yelverton Hardware Company. Chief Yelverton was instrumental in improving the state of the Goldsboro Fire Department. During his time, three pieces of motorized equipment were purchased. He also helped with improvements in the water system, fire alarm system, and added eight full-time fire fighter positions to the department. These accomplishments allowed the department's ISO (Insurance Classification) to be upgraded to a level 5. While that rating was good for the size and capabilities of the department, Chief Yelverton continued to strive for an even higher rating through the remainder of his time with Goldsboro Fire Department. Chief Yelverton's health began to break during the year 1927, eventually leading to his passing later that year. The work and effort Chief Yelverton had done for Goldsboro Fire Department was not forgotten.

2020-11-04T16:27:53+00:00January 1st, 1919|Historical Information|

The Original Station 2

The original Station 2 was built on Vine St in 1918 and was operational until 1928. Little is known about this particular station and how it was used. It is known that it housed one horse drawn hose wagon with one person manning the station at all times. This station closed down in 1928, bringing the hose wagon back to the original Station 1 on John St.

2020-12-16T21:02:10+00:00December 16th, 1918|Historical Information|

First Motor Propelled Fire Equipment Purchased

Another highlight for the department occurred in 1913 when the city purchased it's first piece of motor propelled fire equipment. This truck was a four cylinder hose and chemical truck manufactured by The American LaFrance Company of Elmira, New York. This truck was not equipped with a pump, therefore any pumping was still left to Old Mary Alice.

2020-10-23T19:37:10+00:00July 28th, 1913|Historical Information|

Chief Lionel Weil

Chief Lionel Weil is the first documented Fire Chief of Goldsboro Fire Department. He served as a volunteer Fire Chief until 1884. Little is known about the start of his career with Goldsboro Fire Department.

2020-07-24T12:28:49+00:00July 22nd, 1881|Historical Information|

Goldsboro Fire Department Is Established

Goldsboro Fire Department was established in May of 1881. Before that time, the Eclipse Fire Engine Company was serving the community. The Mary Alice This steam engine pumper, pulled by two horses, was purchased in 1880 by Charles Dewey, the Chief of Eclipse Fire Engine Company during that time. It was named in memory of his daughter. This engine cost the department just under $4,ooo to purchase, which at that time was a hefty expenditure as most chemical engines were under $1000.  The Mary Alice was kept in service with the Goldsboro Fire Department during the transition to the new department. The apparatus was rumored to have set a world record for the speed in getting the steam to the correct temperature the fastest and then spraying water the farthest. It served the department as a front line apparatus until 1919, and then was used as a reserve engine until 1940. It was then retired and put on display at Herman Park. During World War II, there was a great need for scrap metal. The Mary Alice was escorted down the streets of Goldsboro one last time on her way to be used for the needed metal for the war. Personnel Very few of the personnel were paid members, most served in a volunteer capacity. The picture below is of the firefighters at the beginning of century with The Mary Alice. It is one of

2020-12-16T17:47:42+00:00May 1st, 1881|Historical Information|
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