05/13/2026
Over to Cabarrus County and the first (?) fire engine for MT Mitchell Fire Department. This 1968 Ford F-700/Howe pumper, 500/1200, was delivered in April 1968, while they were still being organized. It's pictured in the Kannapolis Independent Tribune on April 18, 1968. Specs from the WNC Fire Pics SmugMug site. Here's the accompanying story:
Mt. Mitchell Gets $14,000 Fire Truck
The Mt. Mitchell Volunteer Fire Dept. — the newest fire fighting unit in Cabarrus County — has received its $14,000 truck and is using it in an intensive training program.
A Ford chassis with a Howe pump, the vehicle is being stored temporarily at the Rimer Volunteer Fire Dept. Construction of Mt. Mitchell’s fire station is expected to begin within a week on a site near Mt. Mitchell Methodist Church, according to Clarence Walters, president of the department.
The truck was brought to Mt. Mitchell Wednesday night for use in the firemen’s training session.
Thirty volunteers have signed up as firemen and are being trained by Walter Burr, president of the Cabarrus County Fire and rescue Service. The training is being carried out through Rowan Technical Institute.
Paul Hileman Jr. is fire chief, assisted by Ralph Simmons Jr. and Lee Cline.
