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History-Cornelius Fire Department
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1900 to 1949
The earliest records of the Cornelius Fire Department show an organization date of November 6, 1912. At that time the equipment consisted of a hose cart and a ladder wagon, both hand-drawn. Alarms were sounded by a bell in the tower of the City Hall. F.H. Sholes was the first Fire Chief from 1912 to 1917 and had 22 members. Marion Tibbits is shown as succeeding Chief from 1917 until 1929.
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1950 to 1974
In 1950 a Government surplus fire engine was purchased for $775.00 and overhauled for an additional $850.00 and was used for a time and sold to the Banks Fire Department.
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1975 to 1999
In 1979, the City replaced the '64 Ford with a new Seagraves 1250 GPM class "A" Pumper with a 1000-gallon booster tank. This engine remains in service today.
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2000 to Present
In 2000, the Cornelius City/Rural Fire Department serves a city population of 8,490 and 1,140 registered voters and their families in the rural fire district. The response area of 41 square miles has a combined assessed property value of nearly $400,000,000 and is served by 35 volunteer firefighters.