This Web Page is provided as a service to Residents of the Union Mills Fire Protection District. The purpose for this site is to provide information as to the past, current, and future status of the fire department and its purpose within the community. Every effort is made to provide family oriented material. Please check our Educational and Home Safety Links or information provide by agencies such as U.S. Fire Administration, National Fire Protection Association, N.C. State Fire Marshall's Office, American Cancer Society and theAmerican Heart Association. Free safety literature may be obtained from U.S. Fire Administration. Check these on our Links to Home Safety page.
This site is dedicated to all Men and Women who give freely of their time and effort to provide comfort and aid to others whether it is family, friend, or stranger. We give special thanks to the Family of these Men and Women as they so often take second place to the call of the fire alarm, this is a special class of people.A special thank you is also in order for the Ladies Auxiliary for the didication to the fund raising efforts through the past years. Without those who gave so much, we would have much less.
This department serves the Union Mills and Gilkey communities including those areas known as Camp Creek, Centenial, Lake Brooks, and Painter Gap.
Please let us know you were here. Did you like the visit ? How can we improve ? Thank you.
Flag Raising WTC
Something About Us
Providing emergency service to the Union Mills and Gilkey Communities, including those areas known as Camp Creek, Centenial, Lake Brooks and Painters Gap.
We maintain one combination firehouse/public meeting area and one firehouse/headquarters
on same site. Maintain five pieces of apparatus consisting of 2006 Pumper-Tanker, 1997 Pumper-Tanker, 1976 Pumper,
1991 Tanker, 1984 Salvage Van, 1999 Brush Truck, 1974 Brush Truck. Currently have 22 Volunteers. Response
area of five miles [driving distance from firehouse ] with an Insurance Service Class 9S Rating.
Use a mutual aid arrangement with adjoining districts, providing and receiving assistance.
Primary function is fire protection. Secondary functions include response to motor vihicle
accidents, assist search and rescue, other emergencies as needed. Funded by Rural FireProtection District Tax Levy.
Actively support Childreds Fire Safety Education through the use of the Childrens Fire
Safety House tour of local Elementary Schools. The Mobile Fire Safety House tours
the Elementary Schools once each year to work with students in grades K thru 5.
State Statute requires each firefighter to attend 36 hours of meeting/training/drills per
year in addition to answering alarms. Regulations also require a maintenance check
and road test of each apparatus weekly, this check will include all equipment such as
breathing apparatus, generators and smoke ejectors. Volunteers have jobs and family
life to attend to, but, give their nights and weekends to serve the needs of the public. In addition to the regular meetings, maintenance duties and alarms, many volunteers attend night or weekend training programs at other locations to improve their skills, and/or to meet the required 36 hours.
All local departments work jointly with the Red Cross to provide for the immediate need of families during and following an emergency.
We are always looking for volunteers interested in serving the emergency needs of others. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter may contact any department member for details. Drop us an e mail message with name and phone number , leave a message at 287-7118 or stop by the firehouse. Meeting schedule: First and Third Monday of each month at Seven p.m.
DEDICATION
For Five Years or more Service to the Residents of Union Mills Fire District
IN MEMORY
A. E. Briscoe
John Briscoe
V. T. Cooper
Earl Dowdle
R. C. Flack
Sam Flack
Kato Forney
W. C. Lovelace
Robert Owens
Clyde Shook
Guy Thompson
IN HONOR
Frank Conner
Jonas Conner
Ray Conner
Pete Flack
Keith Flack
John Forney
Hugh Nanney
Arnold Hodge
Keith Gladden, Sr.
20 years +
Dean Conner [36+]
Gary Conner
Ken Dowdle
Alvin Nanney
Steve Nanney
10 years +
Eugene Conner
Rita Conner
Freda Greene
Steve Greene
Who We Are Today
Dean Conner, ChiefEugene Conner, President
Patsy Arrowood, Mike Brooks, Stephen Brown, Jr.,
Dean Conner, Eugene Conner, Gary Conner,
Justin Conner, Kelsy Conner, Kay C. Deyton,
Rita Conner, Kenneth Dowdle, Gilbert Forney, Freda Greene, Steve Greene, Alvin Nanney, Steve Nanney, Chris StClair,
Stephany Greene, Jr. Member
Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department
ABOUT OUR AREA
Our emergency response district is composed of the Union Mills Community and our neighboring Gilkey Community along our southern border. Both areas share a history of farming and sawmills, with family and church being the center of life for those who make up the past and present.
The Union Mills Community lies along U.S. Highway 221 in the Northern most part of Rutherford County, North Carolina. We compose a growing residential area with little business and industry. We are located within fifteen minutes drive of shopping, dining, motels, and industrial plants. The Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Gorge areas are half-hour drive. We are approximately one-hour drive from Asheville, the ski slopes of the Boone area, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Gorge area, and Mount Mitchell as well as Spartenburg and Greenville in South Carolina. Little more than an hour will take one to the Charlotte Area.
For the mining and gem enthusiast, the area is home to the Thermal City Gold Mine, three other mining and camping sites are only minutes away. Located nearby is the site of the former Betchler Mint and Mining area, famous for its gold coins. Other historical points of interest located nearby are the Over Mountain Trail, Cane Creek, Gilbert Town, and our County Seat of Rutherfordton (formerly Old Tryon); less than an hour takes one to the Revolutionary War Battlegrounds at Kings Mountain and Cowpens.
The community is home to Pinacle Elementary School, which host approximately five hundred students from the surrounding area. The Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School is located ten minutes away from the center of the community, another five minutes takes us to the campus of Isothermal Community College. Within ten minutes drive are seventeen churches of varying denominations, and the United World Mission Training Center. The community was home to the former Alexander Schools Incorporated and Round Hill Academy, the home and education facility for thousands of children from across the U.S. as well as the local population. The former school building is now operated by the Union Mills Progress Association , a non-profit organization. The facility, known as The Learning Center, offers opportunity for adult computer classes, exercise programs and meeting area. Plans are to expand these programs as funds are available. The Mision Training Center occupies the former dormitories and dining hall. The Gilkey Elementary students were also transfered to the new Pinacle Elementary, with the former school building being converted for community use.
Queen's Gap Residential Community and Golf Course are currently under construction within our district.
The majority of present day residents of the community can call back more than a hundred years of family history in the area when farming and saw milling were a means of supporting the family. Close ties to family and neighbor was and is a way of life.
Many have and will leave the area to seek advancement in life, but most will forever hold firm that deep-seated respect for family and neighbor. Those who remain will long stand proud of their heritage as well as their present.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Is the Internet not awesome? Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department has gone worldwide, we are in cyberspace. If you are outside the area and just stumbled onto the site, you are surely asking, "where on earth is Union Mills, North Carolina"? If you are a local resident, you are likely to learn some things about your fire department (and possible this area) you did not know. Visit each page and check out the links to other sites for a wealth of information regarding your health and safety.
For more than thirty years, it has been my pleasure to serve the needs of my neighbor through
the fire department. I am proud of the work we have done and the accomplishment we have
made. I am proud of the dedicated men and women who serve with me, and pleased with the
fellowship within our operation. I am thankful also for the mutual aid response from our neighbor
fire departments. Being a firefighter requires sacrifice not only from the individual, but from his
family as well. I give thanks not only to my own family, but to all those families who take second
place to the alarm. Many family events are cancelled or interupted by the alarm, many meals to be
warmed over. Families watch a loved one answer the alarm, not knowing what lies ahead. For that
dedicated family, there exist a special feeling having offered comfort to others in a time of crisis.
Special comforts also exist knowing the fire service brothers and sisters will be there during their own time of need.
There is strength in number, and our number is too small. We would be happy if you would consider becoming a part of our fire service family. Our station has no big screen TV, our equipment is neither the latest nor the greatest, but we have come a long way and we are still moving. It is our desire to provide quality service to you, provide the greatest safety to the firefighter, and do this without a financial burden on the residents.
The key element in fire protection is fire prevention. The key to traffic safety is careful driving. Because the accident or fire has happened before we get the call, it is like starting a race in last place. If we run fast, work hard and make no mistakes, we may finish the race, but seldom in first place. The best we can hope for is to provide comfort to those involved and keep the damage to a minimum. We will do our best to give you our best.
In closing, I want to thank the residents of our response district for their support throughout the years, and ask your continued support that we may continue to serve you.
01-2004 A History of
Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
On February 07, 1971, a group of citizens met at the Union Mills Community Clubhouse to discuss the possibility of organizing a Volunteer Fire Department. The meeting was a result of a similar meeting in the Hudlow-Mt. Vernon area. Since a station located in that area would not help the residents of Union Mills, the plan was to organize here. After a lengthy discussion by some thirty-one local citizens, the plan was in motion. The motion to organize was made by Pete Flack, second by Leroy Young; the vote was thirty in favor, one not voting. As with any organization, a Board of Directors was chosen to seek a Charter and the necessary information needed to continue the operation. The temporary Board of Directors, [who would also serve as our incorporators] elected by majority vote were V.T. Cooper, Chairman, along with John Briscoe and Leroy Young. On March 26, 1971, the Secretary of State granted a Charter to the organization to be known as the Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. The organization was to operate as a non-profit, tax exempt Corporation. After meeting with members from several other fire departments, a set of by-laws were composed, an eight member Board of Directors, a Fire Chief and five line officers were elected.
Under the direction of Chairman V. T. Cooper and Chief Leon StClair, a fund raising program, a search for the permanent headquarters, purchase of fire apparatus, and a training program were under way.
During the next few months, ham suppers, auction sales, hot dog sales, music shows and just plain door pounding became a regular routine. A Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was formed to help with the planning of meals and other fund drives.
A temporary headquarters was established in the old ESSO building at the crossing of Hudlow Road and Old Highway 221 [now Coney Island Rd.] The building was equipped with running water and a kitchen, painted and equipped with a sign designating it as the Union Mills "Voluntary" Fire Department. After land was offered by Guy Thompson and by the R. C. Flack family, the present location was chosen because of its accessibility and location in general. This property would soon see a temporary structure to house the fire truck through the winter, and later the permanent Firehouse and Corporate Headquarters. Under the direction of Building Committee Chairman Arthur E. Briscoe, a yearlong building program was begun.
In May of that year the first fire truck was purchased and served for the next five years. A tanker truck was also purchased to carry the necessary water supply required by the N. C. Department of Insurance. Each of these vehicles was twenty years old when purchased.
In the summer of l972, with the determination of local citizens and a loan
of $12000 dollars, A. E. Briscoe made his building project become a reality.
The moving of equipment began in September of 1972 while work continued
on the building. The new Firehouse was a three bay garage with attached
kitchen and meeting hall.
The masonry work was done by vocational education students under
the direction of Max Robinson, with the balance of construction
completed by local citizens.Hot dogs and hamburgers were sold on
Saturdays to raise funds to support the work of the organization.Other
fund raising efforts were poor man suppers, spaghetti suppers, and the
annual Ladies Auxiliary bazaar and bake sale.
December of that year brought about the election of new officers. With the new headquarters complete and the equipment in place, a new challenge lay ahead. Newly elected Chairman A. E. Briscoe and Chief Dean Conner began the process of getting Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department rated and certified by the N. C. Department of Insurance. In May of 1974, this goal was achieved and the 9/9A rating was awarded. This rating meant that the residents within a 4 mile driving range of the Firehouse would be given and average of 15% reduction on their fire and lightening insurance premium. This rating also meant that the Rating Bureau would require us to maintain serviceable fire apparatus; a 24 hour manned alarm station; and a crew of no less than nineteen firemen participating in at least 36 hours of meetings, training and drills each year.
In the fall of 1976, a decision was made to replace the used pumper truck with a new unit in order to maintain our rating. The new truck would be a 1976 Ford chassis with an all aluminum pumper body and tank. Purchase price of the new unit was $42000, financed by a Farmers Home Administration Community Service loan. Emergency One Equipment Co. of Ocala, Florida supplied this unit, the first of its kind in western North Carolina. Two other used tanker trucks would be purchased before a new chassis was acquired in 1991.
In 1978, a surplus Army truck was equipped with an old kerosene tank and a portable pump for use in fighting brush and grass fires. This unit served us until 1993, then replaced with another used vehicle. A used 1974 Chassis equipped with tank and pump was purchased fromValley Hills Fire Department. This vehicle was eighteen years old at the time of purchase, but was in good operating condition. In 1998, the tank and pump were replaced with a lighter, more efficient unit and
the chassis kept in service. [still in operation 2006]
As the firefighters and auxiliary became weary from the endless task of raising funds need to operate; a decision was made to apply for a taxing district. Signatures wire gathered to petition the Board of County Commissioners to call for a special vote of the area property holders to tax themselves to provide funds for fire protection. Two attempts were made before this vote was successful in 1989. With the tax revenue as a regular income, a Board of Directors led by President Steve Greene make plans for future growth. The taxing rate began at eight cents per one hundred dollars of property evaluation. The current rate is set at five cents.
A fund was started for the future purchase of a tanker truck. In l991
mechanical failure of the aging and ailing tanker truck forced an early
decision about replacement. Money was available to purchase a new
truck chassis but not a complete operating unit. A chassis was
purchased and the older tanker body mounted on it. This remount
was done by the firefighters themsefves to save labor cost. This move
could be done without borrowed money. This truck still serves as
our primary tanker truck.in 2006.
Plans began in 1996 to replace the twenty-year-old pumper truck. The 1976 truck would be used as a reserve unit that would not require all the equipment needed on a primary response pumper. During this same year, a building project began. As the meeting room of the current building was often used for community and family functions, a dedicated meeting and training area was need for the firefighters. In addition, a factor was garage space. A pumper, a tanker, a brush truck, and an equipment van were already cramped in the three bay garage. Initial plans were to add to the existing building, but space to expand and entry to the building were problems with this plan. After securing cost estimates, a new building seemed to be the answer. The former tennis court property, adjoining the fire department property was purchased from the 4-H Club and a building project began. An office area, meeting area, and three additional garage bays were erected on this property adjoining our original location. The entire interior portion of the all-steel outer structure was completed by the labor of four volunteer firefighters. Countless hours were given by Dean Conner, Eugene Conner, Gary Conner and Steve Greene in order to cut overall building cost. The assessed value of this structure at completion was one hundred twenty five thousand dollars; actual construction cost was eighty one thousand dollars, and was completed without borrowed
money.
As the building was nearing completion in 1997, a new pumper truck was purchased.
This unit was a sales demonstrator, which allowed for cost savings of approximately
fifteen thousand dollars. A thirty five thousand dollars down payment created a ninety
eight thousand dollars lease purchase arrangement with the dealer. At this point, the
organizations assessed value was two hundred forty thousand dollars and our debt
service was only ninety eight thousand dollars. The personnel of this organization feel
a sense of pride in our accomplishments and our wise use of public funds.
Throughout the thirty four years of operation, approximately 80 men and women have come
and gone from the roster of volunteer firefighters, with Chief Dean Conner the only founding member
still active in 2006.
December 2003, Steve Greene ended more than 10 years service as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Much has been accomplished during that service. Steve had a serious dedication to this position and his efforts are evidenced by the changes during those years. Steve remains active as a Director and Department Officer, but chose not to accept another term as Chairman. Eugene Conner was chosen to replace Steve as President of the Board.
January 2004 brought to close 33 years of activity by the Ladies Auxiliary. We as a community owe a great debt to the many women who have served us through the Auxiliary. During the life of the group, dedicated ladies carried out fund raising activities which included meals, craft and bake sales, raffles, making and selling quilts, raking leaves and doing house cleaning. The long line of hard working women will long be remembered. WE THANK YOU!
Check your Smoke Detector each month and change the battery when you change your clock.
Have a fire extinguisher in your home and auto. Know where it is, and how to use it.
Have a designated meeting place outside your home if you should have a fire and need to evacuate.
Teach your children their phone number, home address, and directions to your home.
Teach your children to dial 911 when they need emergency help. Fire, EMS, and Police.
Assure that all window and doors open freely for emergency escape. Close doors as you exit a burning building,
this slows the fire spread.
Never go back into the burning building once you have escaped.
Have a designated meeting place away from your home in the event of a disaster in your area.
Store your important documents and items in a fire resistant container. Make copies of special photos and leave with a relative or friend.
Dial 911 to report your fire before trying to fight it yourself. Never attempt to fight a structure fire unless
you are sure you can do so safely, and only when you have an exit nearby. If you have time close all doors as you exit, this slows the spread of fire.
When using fuel fired portable heaters, never refill indoors and always wait for the heater to cool. Store fuel only in suitable container and properly label as to its contents. Maintain a safe distance between the heater and combustibles such as furniture and curtins.
Clean your clothes dryer lint filter often to prevent over heating.
What is a Firefighter
He's the guy next door - a man's man with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger. He's a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams. Yet he stands taller than most of us. He's a fireman. He puts it all on the line when the bell rings. A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men. He's a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death. He's a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control. He's responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again. He's a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life - hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers - a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling - the camaraderie of brave men - the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men. He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities. When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade. He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.
He lives it.
Unknown Author
Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc
Just a few financial facts
Cost to equip one firefighter with coat, pants, boots, helmet,
gloves and pager.... $2000.00
One self-contained breathing apparatus [one firefighter]
for interior work: $2900.00 to $3200.00
Annual insurance cost: $10000.00
Annual Utilities: $3500.00
Annual Truck: Payment: $21,101.
A proposed yearly opeating budget is presented to the County Board of Commissioners, who have final approval of the district tax rate. This proposed budget is based on the routine operating expenses, such as insurance, utilities, maintenance, loan payments, etc., along with future needs of the department. The tax rate is set based on this budget. A certified audit of all expenses are presented to the Board of Commissioners each year. The financial year runs from July 1 of the current year until June 30 of the next.
The above is only a few cost associated with operation, others include building and equipment maintenance, fuel cost, replacement of obsolete or damaged equipment, miscellaneous department supplies, and funds set aside for future truck replacement. Purchase of quality equipment provides for longer service life with less maintenance cost, thus being the better investment for the long term. Because of careful planning and wise use of funds, the new building constructed in 1997 was paid for when complete [no borrowed money]. Also during that same year, a $35000.00 down payment made toward the purchase of the l997 Pumper Truck left a $98,000 balance financed through a lease-purchase agreement with a 5.89 percent interest rate.
From the 2000-2001 budget year, the department purchased six new self-contained breathing apparatus at an investment of slightly over $18,000. We were at that time using equipment more than twenty years old, these units are still available as reserve equipment.
From the 2001-2002 year budget we purchased new Turn Out Gear, [the protective coat and pants used for interior structure firefighting]. Many of the crew had gear passed along from previous users, and most gear exceeded 10 years of use. The cost of the upgrade was slightly over $18,000.
Also during this period we purchased each crew member a set of Wild Land Fire Protective Clothing. A matching state grant left the department paying $1100.
From the 2003-2004 year budget we have purchased three additional Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for use on our reserve pumper truck. This purchasel cost 9900 dollars.
We also replaced all radio communication equipment, including alert pagers. Changes in FCC regulations require us to replace all two way equipment. Pagers are being replaced due to age and condition. These changesl cost slightly over 11,000 dollars. We received a grant to cover half of the radio equipment purchase.
The 2006-2007 year budget provide for the payoff of our debt service. We secured a grant to cover cost of new Wildland Fire Gear for 9 members.
December 2006 we acquired a new Pumper-Tanker Truck. This was a sales demo for Metrolina Fire Equipment Sales, consisting of a Smeal Fire Body mounted on a 2006 International Chasis. Cost of the Truck was $178,600.00, approximately $10,000.00 of additional equipment will be added to the truck to put it in full service. $75,000.00 of this cost was done through a lease to own arrangement, the balance was taken from funds held in reserve for this purpose. The finance of the lease is 4.9 percent for a period of 4 years. This truck will serve as our first out structure pumper, but is also capable of serving as a tanker for any mutual aid alarms. The current 1997 pumper-tanker will remain fully equiped for use as a structure attack unit when needed, and is also capable of serving as a tanker. Plans are to remove from service and sell the 1976 Pumper and the 1985 Chevy equipment truck. The 1991 Ford Tanker will be refitted with a new tank and added equipment boxes to serve as support for structure and wildland fires as well as mutual aid.
Also this year we purchased a 1999 Dodge Ram Truck, formerly used by NC Forest Resource. The truck has been equipped with a skid unit for use as a brush truck.
The Corporation provides Workers Compensation Insurance and a supplemental accident and sickness policy to protect the firefighter who may be injured in the line of duty. The Corporation carries replacement value insurance for buildings, apparatus, and portable equipment used for firefighting. The Corporation provides for membership in the NC State Firemen's Association, which offers opportunity for educational scholarships for firefighters and their dependents, as well as educational assistance for dependents of firefighters killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.Firefighters are eligible for State and Federal Public Safety Officers line of duty death benefit, when they have met the required hours of meeting, training and/or drills.
Property owners within a rated fire protection district receive a reduction on their fire and lightening insurance premium. This reduction is approximately 15 percent. This reduction applies to those within the 5 mile drive from the firehouse. Plans are being made to extend this district to 6 miles drive distance. Fire protection is provided to those outside the rated fire districts within the county; funds are provided through a special taxing district and contract with the county government.
5 years +
Mike Brooks
Kay C. Deyton
Names on the roster above are kept current. We extend our appreciation to those who have served, but chose to leave for various reasons.
Robert served with pride and dedication for 32 years. He was a founding member, had served as a Director and in all line officer positions. During several of these years Robert also served with the Rutherford County Traffic Control. He was a leader in the Mount Pleasant CME Church. The Church Membership dedicated its bell tower in memory of Robert. Robert will long be remembered by those whose life he touched.
