2025 Annual Report: A Message from the Chief
2025 Annual Report: A Message from the Chief
As we reflect on the milestones and advancements of 2025, I am proud to highlight some key achievements and initiatives that underscore our dedication to excellence and service within our community.
This year, we made significant strides in enhancing our emergency response capabilities. We acquired and deployed a new-to-us Hazmat truck, bolstering our hazardous materials response team. Our commitment to excellence was further demonstrated when we participated in the NC Association of Hazardous Materials Responders’ HazMat Challenge and earned first place, showcasing the expertise and dedication of our personnel.
We also transformed an old squad truck into a brush truck, marking the first time we have had this capability. This addition significantly enhances our readiness to tackle brush and grass fires.
We modernized our fleet with a refurbished 2006 E-One Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) apparatus, replacing an outdated unit, ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations. Furthermore, we launched the Call2Recycle "One Drum" collection program, taking a significant step toward safely recycling rechargeable batteries and aligning with our community risk reduction goals.
To further demonstrate the City's commitment to providing reliable, up-to-date public services, we ordered another engine to replace Engine 4. This brings us to two engines on order, with one scheduled to arrive in June 2026, ensuring we are well-prepared to meet the community's needs.
To address and close a service gap in our coverage, we purchased property for Fire Station 5, which includes a house that we will retrofit to use until a permanent station is built in the future. We successfully hired 15 new staff members to operate it, with plans to open the station in July 2026. Complementing this, we acquired a 75-foot aerial vehicle for Station 5, significantly enhancing our firefighting and rescue capabilities.
In an effort to enhance administrative and operational efficiency, we were granted an additional Deputy Chief position. This allows us to separate responsibilities into two Deputy Chief roles, one overseeing operations and the other focused on administration. This restructuring will help distribute the workload, leading to more productive work. An assessment was conducted, and this position will become effective in January 2026.
Our Strategic Planning Committee worked diligently to rewrite our mission statement, vision statement, and Strategic Plan to ensure they align with our evolving goals and objectives. This initiative reflects our commitment to strategic advancement and organizational integrity.
As the city continues to grow, our call volume has increased. Even with our staffing remaining the same, our members have remained steadfast and provided a professional level of service. Our personnel are our greatest asset, consistently delivering dependable, professional, and excellent service to our citizens, business owners, and visitors.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our entire team, whose unwavering dedication has been fundamental to our success. Our progress this year would not have been possible without their hard work and commitment to serving our community with integrity and excellence.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on continuous improvement, determined to meet the evolving needs of the community we serve. The City of Statesville Fire Department is fortunate to have the support of the Mayor, City Manager, and elected officials. Their backing enables us to evolve, improve efficiency, and enhance safety for both our community and our firefighters. Amidst ongoing advancements and changes, one constant remains: the SFD's unwavering dedication to serving the City of Statesville with excellence.
It is truly an honor to serve the citizens, visitors, elected officials, business owners, and members of this Department as the Fire Chief. Thank you for your ongoing support, and here's to another year of growth and achievement.
Sincerely, Glenn Kurfees Fire Chief
View the full 2025 Statesville Fire Department Annual Report here.
