Winterville Fire Department
Engine #1
The first volunteer fire department was started in 1736 by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though the concept of putting out a fire seemed simple, the equipment available proved that was not the case
The only tools the volunteers had to work with was buckets, ladders and a few hand tools. This led to the first fire departments being called "Bucket Brigades". Over the last two hundred plus years, tools and equipment have become more and more modern with changes in technology. With the advances in turnout gear, breathing apparatus, engines and numerous other things, firefighters are able to put out a fire in a much more efficient and safe manner.
Though the volunteer fireman doesn't get paid to run calls, they are trained to the same level as a paid firefighter and take just as much pride in their profession. There is nothing as special as the heart of a volunteer!
Meet our Volunteers
Fire Department Roster 2018
The City of Winterville Fire Department operates on a volunteer-basis. We are so thankful to our volunteers for providing our town with life safety and fire protection!
Michael Gabriel - Chief
Ray Durie - Assistant Chief
Wayne Gabriel - Engineer
David Hopper - Engineer
Trey Crowley - Firefighter
Chuck Thornton - Firefighter
Cameron Chubb - Firefighter
Brett Peneguy - Firefighter
Dylan Smith - Firefighter
David Bland - Firefighter
Dallas Gabriel - Firefighter
Kortney Bradshaw - EMT
Tyler Finger - EMT