Raleigh, NC—The Bay Leaf Volunteer Fire Department and Stony Hill Rural Fire Department announced today that they will consolidate on July 1, 2017 forming the Northern Wake Fire Department located in Wake County, NC, just North of Raleigh.
Northern Wake Fire Department will provide fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical and community risk reduction services to approximately 35,000 residents. The new organization, with five fire stations and over 150 career and volunteer personnel, will protect 70-square miles of unincorporated Wake County around Falls Lake with an estimated $6.7 billion of property value.
Northern Wake County has been served by Bay Leaf and Stony Hill Fire Departments for a combined 115 years. The two organizations have closely aligned values, practices and often operate together to protect their adjacent communities.
Recognizing the potential for collaboration, in 2016 the leadership of both departments began to explore opportunities to better serve its communities. A consolidation committee was formed to evaluate the prospects of taking the best of both organizations and developing a more efficient and sustainable department with improved and expanded services.
In May of this year both corporate boards gave approval to move forward with the consolidation. Former Bay Leaf Fire Chief Tim Pope will lead the new organization while former Stony Hill Fire Chief A.C. Rich will serve as Deputy Chief. Gary Vickerson has been named President of the Corporate Board and Tyler Carpenter will serve as its Vice-President.
Quotes from Northern Wake Fire Department Leadership
Gary Vickerson – President, Corporate Board of Northern Wake Fire Department:
“I am very proud of our diverse and talented leadership team taking this latest step with our two veteran progressive departments. We have a passion to honor our past and present. At the same time we aspire to continue to provide an exciting work environment for our employees and volunteers which will allow for sustainability and growth. I am excited about our future.”
Tyler Carpenter – Vice President, Corporate Board of Northern Wake Fire Department:
“Stony Hill and the Bay Leaf Fire Departments have provided emergency services to northern Wake County for over 100 years combined. As a new organization we will take our professional service to the next level, operate more effectively and efficiently and provide more opportunities for our volunteer and career firefighters to grow. I look forward to seeing our potential.”
Tim Pope – Fire Chief, Northern Wake Fire Department:
“Community service remains the founding principle behind the formation of the Northern Wake Fire Department. For over a century, both Bay Leaf and Stony Hill Fire Departments have delivered outstanding services to their citizens and neighbors. This tradition will continue and we are excited about turning the page on what will be the next chapter of our history. We look forward to the development of what will be one of the premier public safety organizations in all of North Carolina, made up of the most talented and dedicated group of professionals that you can find anywhere today.”
Background Information
About Bay Leaf Volunteer Fire Department: The Bay Leaf Volunteer Fire Department protects over 25,000 residents in a 36-square mile district primarily south of Falls Lake. It operates three fire stations with over 80 career and volunteer personnel. The department was founded in 1961.
About Stony Hill Rural Fire Department: The Stony Hill Rural Fire Department protects over 8,000 residents in a 34-square mile district primarily north of Falls Lake. It operates two fire stations with over 70 career and volunteer personnel. The department was founded in 1958
Press Coverage
The News & Observer – Rural fire departments merge in growing northern Wake County
ABC11 Eyewitness News – 2 Wake County fire departments merging into one