In a milestone moment for the Town of Rolesville, officials formally recognized the unification of the Town of Rolesville and the Rolesville Rural Fire Department (RRFD) during tonight’s 6:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners meeting. The consolidation marks a historic new chapter in public safety and community partnership for one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing towns.
After more than 65 years of dedicated service as an independent nonprofit, the RRFD officially became part of the Town’s governance structure as of today. The unification follows years of planning and collaboration.
“This is a moment of deep pride for Rolesville,” said Mayor Ronnie Currin. “Our fire department has protected this community for generations, and today we honor that legacy while moving forward as one unified team. This decision ensures continued excellence and coordinated service delivery for all our residents.”
The unification effort was the result of over three years of discussion, analysis, and consensus-building between the Town, RRFD, and third-party advisor NC Fire Chief Consulting. Together, they established a Unification Committee to explore the benefits and challenges of the unification, ultimately producing a jointly crafted resolution and Unification Agreement.
“We approached this decision with great care and intention,” said Town Manager Eric Marsh. “Our goal was to preserve the strengths of the fire department while aligning it more closely with the Town’s long-term vision for public safety, operational efficiency, and service quality. I commend the committee for its thoughtful work.”
The RRFD was incorporated on June 3, 1958, and has since grown into a highly professional department equipped to handle fire protection, emergency medical response, and hazard mitigation. From its early days storing apparatus at the local Amoco station to its current facility at 104 E. Young Street, the department has built a proud and resilient legacy.
“This fire department has always been rooted in service,” said Interim Fire Chief Jacob Butler. “The unification allows us to continue that mission with even greater support and coordination. I’m honored to help lead our firefighters into this next phase, and we remain committed to protecting and serving this community with excellence.”
Tonight’s meeting not only marks the formal recognition of the unification but also signals future growth. On June 4, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved plans for a new main fire station to be located on E. Young Street as part of the new Town Center Campus. The project will also include a new police department and Rolesville Town Hall, further centralizing essential public services.
As the Town and fire department move forward with the next phase of the process, community members can expect continuity of service, ongoing investment in infrastructure, and a continued commitment to safety and excellence.