Franklin Township Fire Dept

On May 1, 1951, Rev. Milton B Faust and Quinten Weant called a meeting at Franklin Presbyterian Church for the purpose of organizing a rural fire department. 28 residents attended the meeting. A charter was organized and officers were elected for the corporation. Elected to serve as the original officers and Board of Directors were: C E Hartley; D W Jarrett; Charles Bolden; Harold McCullough; Graham Weant; Ross Williams; Joe Penley and Quintin Weant. Weant was elected to serve as the Department's first Chief and did so until May, 1964. The Directors adopted By Laws and voted that a resident wishing to be a member and receive service from the new Department would pay $ 10.00 per unit as a joining fee. Yard signs were distributed to identify members.

The Departments first vehicle was a 1924 American LaFrance purchased from the City of Asheville for $600.00. Another $800.00 worth of equipment was added to fully compliment the truck, and it was placed in service in Mr. Herman Brown’s garage until a fire station could be built. In July, a second truck, a 1937 Chevrolet was placed in service. Calls to the Department were relayed either by private phone or by calling the local store next to Brown's garage. Later, a siren was connected to a telephone line to sound by residents if a fire occurred.

A close working relationship was developed with both the City of Salisbury Fire Department, under the direction of Chief Charles Burkett, and the adjacent Ellis Cross Country Fire Department, with the sharing of advice and training between Departments. This relationship is credited for the success of the Franklin Fire Department.
A two-bay fire station was constructed at a cost of $1243.00 and dedicated on November 17, 1951 with a celebration and parade. In 1952, the Department purchased a new GMC truck. A second celebration was held a year later with many public officials in attendance including then Insurance Commissioner Waldo Cheek.

In 1954 another new truck, a 1954 International, was purchased to upgrade the Departments efforts. These two 1950's model trucks would be the Departments fleet until a reconditioned army jeep would be placed in service in the mid-sixties a brush unit. In May of 1964, Leroy Morgan succeeded Weant as Chief and served until July, 1966 when John Thomason Sr. became Chief.

All the while, the Department continued to upgrade its training and efforts to serve the community. In 1976, the residents of the district approved a fire tax. This allowed the Department to begin an upgrading effort that included the replacement and enlargement of the fire station building on US 601 to a four-bay building, along with the purchase of a 1978 Engine. In 1978 a second station was constructed on Statesville Blvd at Hurley School Rd on City owned property to provide protection to residents in the western portion of the Franklin Township. In 1982 a new truck purchased to replace the 1951 GMC Engine, and plans were begun to upgrade the Department's fire district rating.

MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT EPISODE

Franklin Township Fire Department Celebrates 75 Years of Service!

This Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Franklin Township Fire Department proudly celebrates 75 years of dedicated service to our community!

Since 1951, generations of volunteer firefighters, officers, support personnel, and community members have worked together to protect the citizens of Franklin Township. For 75 years, we have answered the call—through fires, medical emergencies, rescues, severe weather, and countless other times when our neighbors needed us most.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank:

~ Our current and former members for their dedication and sacrifice.
~ Our families for their unwavering support.
~ Our mutual aid partners for their teamwork and friendship.
~ Most importantly, the residents and businesses of Franklin

Township for your continued trust and support over the past 75 years.

Here's to 75 years of service, tradition, and community—and to the future ahead.

🚨 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY 🚨

Next up on Member Spotlight Thursday is the one person who makes sure the department runs without a hitch, attends all the meetings, handles the endless paperwork and schedules, and somehow manages to gain more and more gray hairs than he cares to admit because of the rest of us.

We’re proud to introduce the man, the myth, the legend — Fire Chief Michael “Mike” Spry.

Chief Spry has dedicated an incredible 34 years to the Franklin Township Fire Department. Born and raised right here in Franklin Township, Chief Spry truly grew up in the fire service. He was heavily influenced by his father, who also served with the department while working as a career firefighter for the City of Salisbury.

Chief Spry began volunteering with FTFD during his senior year of high school in February of 1992. Just three years later, he was hired by the City of Salisbury Fire Department, where he worked his way through the ranks as Engineer, Captain, and eventually Battalion Chief before retiring on January 1, 2024.

Along the way, Chief Spry was recognized as Rowan County Firefighter of the Year in 1995. In 1999, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief at Franklin Township Fire Department, serving in that role for 24 years before becoming Fire Chief in March of 2023.

Under Chief Spry’s leadership, our department has continued to grow and evolve into the combination department we are today, including achieving 24/7 staffing with part-time firefighters. His dedication, leadership, and vision have helped shape the future of our department for years to come.

When asked what he enjoys most about serving the community, Chief Spry shared that he enjoys getting to know his neighbors and knowing that he may have positively impacted someone — possibly on the worst day of their life.

Outside of the fire department, Chief Spry enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with family and friends. He resides in Franklin Township with his wife, Jennifer. Together they have a daughter, Hannah (husband Preston), a son, Jonathan, and a beautiful granddaughter, Wrenley.

Chief Spry, thank you for your many years of service, leadership, and sacrifice for both our department and our community. We appreciate everything you continue to do for us, and we look forward to the future and the continued growth of our department under your leadership.

Merry Christmas, IYKYK 😎😉

🚨🔥 BURN BAN LIFTED 🔥🚨

Effective tomorrow, Friday, May 8th at 8:00 AM, the North Carolina Forestry Service will officially lift the State Issued Burn Ban for all counties across North Carolina.

In addition, the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office will also lift the burn ban on outside burning within 100 feet of an occupied residence at 8:00 AM.

As outdoor burning resumes, please remember the following important safety information:

✅ A valid burn permit is REQUIRED for all outside burning.
Burn permits can be obtained through the NC Forest Service.

✅ Legal items that CAN be burned include:
• Natural vegetation
• Leaves
• Limbs
• Brush
• Untreated wood products

🚫 Items that CANNOT be burned include:
• Household trash
• Plastics
• Tires
• Construction debris
• Painted or treated wood
• Chemicals or hazardous materials

🔥 Outdoor Burning Safety Tips:
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Keep a water source nearby
• Clear the area around the burn site
• Avoid burning on windy days
• Keep children and pets away from the fire
• Fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area

Please use caution and burn responsibly to help prevent wildfires and protect our community.

If you have questions regarding burn permits or outdoor burning regulations, please contact the NC Forest Service at 704-216-8993 or 704-216-8994 or the Rowan County Fire Marshal’s Office at 704-216-8900.

⚠️ BURN BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT ⚠️

Even though we received rain last night, Rowan County and surrounding areas are STILL under a statewide burn ban.

Our area continues to experience severe drought conditions, and experts estimate it will take approximately 24–30 inches of rainfall to fully recover from the current drought conditions.

🔥 Please remember:

• Outdoor burning is prohibited
• Fires can quickly spread despite recent rain
• Dry ground and vegetation remain a major concern

🚨 The North Carolina Forest Service, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and Fire Marshall’s Office are actively enforcing the burn ban. Citations and fines are being issued to those found in violation.

We ask everyone to do their part to help protect our firefighters, homes, businesses, and community from preventable wildfires.

❌ DON’T BURN.

✅ HELP KEEP ROWAN COUNTY SAFE.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Together, we can prevent wildfires.

🚫🔥 BURN BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA 🔥🚫

Franklin Township Fire Department would like to remind our community that the State of North Carolina remains under a STRICT BURN BAN until further notice.

In addition, the National Weather Service has issued an INCREASED FIRE DANGER for Rowan County until 8:00 PM tonight (4/22/2026) due to dry conditions, low humidity, and breezy winds.

⚠️ Outdoor burning is prohibited, including burn barrels.
⚠️ Even a small spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire.

Please help us keep our community, homes, woods, and firefighters safe by following these important safety tips:

🔥 Do NOT burn leaves, brush, trash, or debris
🔥 Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass
🔥 Properly dispose of ci******es and smoking materials
🔥 Secure trailer/tow chains to prevent sparks
🔥 Use grills and outdoor equipment cautiously
🔥 Avoid using equipment that creates sparks during the hottest parts of the day
🔥 Keep yards clear of dry leaves and combustible debris

If you see smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.

We appreciate everyone doing their part to protect Rowan County and the State of North Carolina.

🚒 Franklin Township Fire Department
“Serving Our Community with Pride”

🚨 NEW SERIES ALERT: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🚨

The Franklin Township Fire Department is proud to introduce a new series—Member Spotlight—highlighting the dedicated men and women who serve our community both on and off the fireground.

To kick things off, and in honor of National Telecommunicators Week, it’s only fitting that we recognize two of our own who play a critical role behind the scenes and on the front lines: Lieutenant Q. Huffman and Firefighter K. Youngblood.

🔥 Lieutenant Q. Huffman
Lt. Huffman currently serves as a Battalion Chief with the Rowan County 911 Center. He began his telecommunications career in August 2013, quickly rising through the ranks. In 2019, he transitioned to the private sector, dispatching for MedCenter Air’s Fixed Wing Division. In 2024, he returned to work for Rowan County and was promoted to Battalion Chief shortly after.

He is currently working toward two Associate Degrees to further his career and remains a vital asset to both emergency communications and our fire department.

Lt. Huffman’s fire service journey began at just 16 years old in 2008 as a Junior Firefighter, following in his father’s footsteps. With 18 years of service, he brings a wealth of knowledge—especially in communications—that strengthens our department every day.

Lt. Huffman has transitioned from riding the trucks into serving in a more administrative and Command Staff role. Even so, his leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact. He resides in the district with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children.

🚒 Firefighter K. Youngblood
Firefighter Youngblood also serves our community through the Rowan County 911 Center as a part-time Telecommunicator. She currently serves part-time with Franklin Township Fire Department and is full-time with Locke Township Fire Department.

Her passion for helping others extends beyond emergency services—she has a strong love for animals and previously served Rowan County as a part-time Animal Control Officer.

👏 Join us in recognizing Lt. Huffman and Firefighter Youngblood for their dedication, service, and commitment to our community—both on the radio and on the fireground.

Stay tuned as we continue our Member Spotlight series and introduce you to more of the outstanding individuals who make Franklin Township Fire Department strong. 🚒🔥

📞🚨 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 🚨📞

The members of Franklin Township Fire Department would like to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible 911 telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

You are the calm voice in the chaos, the steady hand behind every emergency response, and the critical link between our community and those who serve it. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion do not go unnoticed.

Day and night, you answer the call—guiding citizens through emergencies and ensuring first responders have the information they need to act quickly and safely. Simply put, we could not do our job without you.

From all of us at Franklin Township Fire Department—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our community.

💛 We appreciate you today and every day.

The Franklin Township Fire Department will host a Public Service Meeting on April 14th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a proposed tax increase within the district, and all residents of Franklin Township are cordially invited to attend.

🚨 Motorcycle Safety Reminder 🚨

As the weather warms up, more motorcycles will be hitting the roads. Let’s all do our part to keep everyone safe!

🏍️ Safety Tips for Motorists:
✔️ Look twice for motorcycles
✔️ Use extra caution at intersections
✔️ Always check your blind spots
✔️ Leave plenty of following distance

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see—stay alert and share the road!

Together, we can prevent accidents and keep our community safe.