Clinton Fire Department 1948 From left to right are: Eliza Barefoot, Ash Britt,
Hamp Britt, Herman Bunch (fmr. Chief), Herbert Ingram (also a dispatcher),
Fred Johnson (fmr. Chief), David Jones, James (Rooster) Lee, Bernice McLaurin,
Joe Melton, Charles Lee Pope (fmr. Chaplain), Max Price (fmr. Chief 1965-1992),
Paul Shipp, Charles Warren (also a dispatcher), Hebron Warren, Marson Warren.

Historical Facts

1907 – The First Fire Engine was purchased at the cost of $2100.00; it was a wagon with 1,500 feet of hose.

1923 - The first motorized Fire Truck purchased was in December 1923 from Brockway-LaFrance of Elmire, NY. The truck was partially restored by Richard Landes of Clinton and then sold to Calvin Bishop of Fayetteville, who completed resptoration and is operable at this time. The City of Clinton sold this truck at auction for $10.00 in 1981

1926 - On August 20, 1926, W.W. Barrow resigned as Fire Chief due to “leaving town” and J.B. Barden, receiving 10 votes, was elected as Fire Chief and W.A. Smith, receiving 9 votes, was elected Asst. Chief.

1926 - On December 1, 1926, the Clinton Fire Department entered into a contract with Carolina Power and Light to install and operate a siren fire alarm system for fire protection, this system was driven by a 5HP motor.

1927 - The Fire Department made a request on April 6, 1927 for a 24 hour duty firefighter; it was discussed and deferred by the City Council.

1928 - On June 4, 1928, the City Council approved an “all time man” to be employed to stay at the station.

1931 - The Clinton Fire Department had 20 firefighters and one engine with a 350 gallon tank.

1937 - The City Council voted on July 22, 1937 to purchase from American La-France-Foamite Industries of Elmire, NY, a 750 gallon fire truck at the sum of $7000.00 which was paid for in seven installments, bi-yearly. This fire truck is currently housed at the Clinton Fire Department and was given the name “Cecil” in memory of Firefighter Cecil Thornton who died December 1, 1976.

“Cecil”

“Cecil” is a 1936 American LaFrance that was approved for purchase by City Council on July 22, 1937. It was bought at the price of $7000.00 and was to be paid in $1000.00 installments twice a year. The original resolution for purchase of this truck is seen here. It now is displayed in the lobby of the Wall Street Station.

The name “Cecil” was given to it when it was restored in 1977 in Cecil Thornton’s memory. Mr. Thornton was the Assistant Chief when he died in the Line of Duty at a trailer fire at the Seven Gables trailer park on December 1, 1976. He served 20 plus years on Clinton Fire Department.

1951 - The Clinton Fire Department purchased a 1951 Mack Fire Truck at the cost of $25, 791.94 on October 1, 1951.

1951 - The Clinton Fire Department, in October of 1951, had 19 volunteers, 2 paid part-time personnel, three engines, and J.H. Bunch was the Chief of the department. The budget was around $12, 023.40 during 1952-53.

Historical Fires in the City of Clinton

March 27, 1877 – The fire, according to reports, could be seen all the way to the Duplin County line, nearly ten miles away. At this time, Clinton had no system of fighting fires, the town had no waterworks, therefore water was drawn by buckets from open-top wells. But as the citizens valiantly fought the flames, things got out of control and the buildings located on the square were reduced to ashes. However, the wooden courthouse was saved as it stood alone in the middle of the square. The fire started in F. Reichmann’s store and quickly spread. The value of 49 dwellings and goods lost was $39,000.

October 5, 1892 – The 4am fire alarm sounded and citizens hurried to the scene and it was apparent to all the grave danger of this fire as one store was burning on the corner between two major business streets and a strong wind was blowing. The fire started in the Farmer’s Alliance Store, the fire swept through the entire block known as Wall Street (where the current Fire Station is located). The county jail burned but no prisoners escaped, the prisoners were the first to notice the fire. The origin of this fire is wrapped in mystery; many claim it was intentional and motivated by political means. The loss of goods and dwellings was estimated to be $75,000 to $100,000.

1894 – At 8am, on a Friday morning, a fire started in the stove flue on the roof of Grady Smith’s Saloon on Grog Row. The alarm was sounded and all of the citizens ran to the scene, but the fire was well underway before the forces could be organized. As many that could used buckets and force pumps while hundreds others carried goods from the stores into the streets. The fence around the Courthouse square burned down and the Courthouse would have burned if it were not for the attention given to save it. The loss from the fire was valued $22,900.