In January of 1969, a meeting was called in the town of Indian Trail, NC to discuss the possible needs of additional fire protection in the surrounding area. Attendees from the Hemby Bridge, Stallings and Indian Trail communities along with the Union County fire marshal, the county attorney, and representatives of the county commissioners.
In May of 1969, after several follow up meetings, and community surveys, the commitment was made, and the name Hemby Bridge Volunteer Fire Department was decided upon. A board of directors was decided upon, and the following week officers for the department were appointed. Chief – Archie Aldridge, Assistant Chief officers – Morris Mathis and Ray Rushing, Captains – Jerry Easterling and Spurgeon Rowell.
The land for the new department was donated by Leroy Rushing. With the land in place the donation drives, auction sales, and other various fund raisers began. Within weeks, a building committee was searching for building materials, and a separate truck committee began looking for a used pumper. A used truck was located in Winston Salem, and was purchased. Shortly thereafter, a 2½ ton Army truck was purchased through Civil Defense in Raleigh, which was then converted to a water supply truck. With no building currently in place, Carol Cunningham offered the bays of his Phillip’s 66 service station in Indian Trail as a location for the vehicles of the department. In the fall of 1969, after initial training, 45 active members made up its’ roster, and during December 1969, the department responded to 9 fire calls.
