Greensboro Fire
Greensboro Fire is a city built on a foundation of history and culture. It’s a place where people live, learn and work.
It’s also home to some of the best architecture in North Carolina. With buildings designed by renowned architects from New England and the North, Greensboro’s architectural legacy is one of beauty and craftsmanship.
History
Greensboro’s fire department has a long history of protecting the people and buildings in the city. It was a volunteer department until 1926 when it became an all-paid department.
As Greensboro grew, the need for more firefighters was a concern. In response, the department hired its first African-American firefighters in 1961.
Today, the Greensboro Fire Department employs more than 2,500 firefighters who protect life and property. It is the only local fire department in the state that is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
In the 1930s, the city suffered from a severe recession. Banks failed and jobs were lost.
During the Depression, some citizens were forced to sell their homes and move out of the city. However, Greensboro’s economy was resilient and it recovered in 1934.
The city of Greensboro is home to a lot of historical events. Among them are the first sit-in demonstration of the American Civil Rights Movement, 17 US Presidents visiting Greensboro and the oldest continuously operating dinner theater in the United States.
Architecture
The architecture of the Greensboro fire was shaped by wartime and postwar prosperity, with designs commissioned from nationally and internationally known architects. The work of Ed Loewenstein, Eduardo Catalano, and George Matsumoto challenged North Carolinians with modernist architectural concepts and forms.
During this period, many of the city’s African American architects, associated with the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCA&T) architectural engineering program, were at the forefront of Modernism in Greensboro. Gerard Gray, for example, taught working drawings and architectural history at NCA&T while pursuing his own practice.
As Greensboro continued to grow, new buildings were designed. The city’s Central Fire Station, for instance, was built in 1925-1926. It features a two-story Italian Renaissance-style facade with carved granite ornamentation. This historic building is currently used as a restaurant. It is a significant landmark to the community. The building is also a National Historic Landmark.
Government
The City of Greensboro has long been a leader in the fire service and is home to one of North Carolina’s most robust departments. It’s also a model for progressive leadership and innovation, particularly when it comes to serving the needs of its citizens.
The Greensboro Fire Department is a proud member of the Guilford County Fire and Rescue Council, which represents fire departments in Guilford County and the city of High Point. This organization provides training to its members, conducts research and development, and supports emergency services in the surrounding communities.