Iconic Greensboro fire drill tower will be demolished, replaced with state of the art training facility

The iconic drill tower at the Greensboro Fire Department on N. Church Street is set to be demolished next week. The department doesn't know the exact date yet. The drill tower was built in 1956 after a bond issue was approved in March of 1947. Every Greensboro firefighter has used this for training since it was built, 63 years ago according to GFD. "Obviously it has a lot of sentimental value to myself and many of the other firefighters that are here." New training props are being built to replace the current tower and should provide current Greensboro Fire Department employees with more technical and realistic training to better prepare them for all emergency incidents. The tower will be replaced with a new facility that is versatile. "This {current} building here is stationary, it's concrete and brick so you can't move anything around," Fire Chief Bobby Nugent said. But all that's about to change. Nugent said to think of the new facility they'll build in its place like LEGO's.
WFMY-TV CBS 2 Greensboro

Andy Weatherman named interim Statesville Fire Department chief

Statesville City Manager Ron Smith announced Thursday the appointment of Deputy Fire Chief Andy Weatherman as interim Statesville fire chief. Chief Spencer Lee announced his resignation earlier this month. Lee’s last day is Friday. “I am certain that Chief Weatherman will do a great job of holding the reins for the city while we are in the process of filling the position of chief,” said Smith. Weatherman has been with the department more than 25 years and has been a deputy chief for 20 months. “He has had a role in the operations of the department and certainly understands what is needed as an administrator.”
Statesville Record and Landmark

Person found dead in Gaston County residential fire

An individual has been found deceased following a fire in Gaston County early Thursday morning. The incident occurred off of John Fraley Road near Dallas at around 1:00 a.m. Officials with Gaston County arrived at the scene to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames. Upon entering the residence, firefighters entered the home and located the body of the occupant inside. First responders from multiple nearby agencies helped to contain the blaze and the fire is being actively investigated by the Gaston County Police Department. No further information has been released at this time.
WBTV-TV Channel 3

Found: Rowan County Good Samaritans who helped teen escape burning truck

Ryan Clary, 17, doesn’t have to wonder any longer about who helped him escape from his burning pickup truck on Tuesday night. It was Deana Zeugner and Jerry Marlow, both of Rowan County. Clary was driving his Ford pickup on White Road on Tuesday night, admittedly at a speed a little higher than the posted limit. Clary lost control, ran off the road, then came back onto the road. The truck turned over and came to rest on the driver’s side. Clary wasn’t seriously hurt, but he couldn’t get out, and he could see flames that were coming from the engine compartment that were spreading to the cab. Zeugner and Marlow, both traveling separately, drove up on the crash scene. “When we pulled up it was more like we were looking to see what was in the road,” Zeugner told WBTV. “Then I saw him standing in the truck trying to get out. My reaction was to go help him.” Zeugner and Marlow then helped Clary get out of the truck.
WBTV-TV Channel 3

Fire damages High Point townhome

A fire damaged a High Point townhome on Wednesday night, according to High Point Fire Marshal Chris Weir. Crews were called to 244-A Northpoint Ave. on a reported townhome fire. The fire is now under control. No injuries were reported. Weir said the fire started in a bedroom and he believes the cause was electrical. Two people lived in the townhome and the Red Cross is helping them find a place to stay.
WGHP-TV FOX 8

Mebane Fire officials recognized for 25 years of service

At the December Mebane City Council meeting, City Manager David Cheek and other town leaders recognized two longtime members of the Mebane Fire Department for a quarter of a century of dedicated work on behalf of the town. Mebane Fire Department Chief Bob Louis and Captain John Schultz were recognized for 25 years of continuous service to Mebane. “Thank you John and Bob - we appreciate what you do,” Mayor Ed Hooks said. “Bob Louis is our Fire Chief. He’s probably one of the best Fire Chiefs in the United States,” Cheek said. “ I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for almost ten years now. We built a fire station together - not literally, but we oversaw it. I’ve seen him in action.
Mebane Enterprise