Welcome to Cooleemee Volunteer Fire Department Inc.

As with other departments in the county, Cooleemee began with the "Bucket Brigades" for fire suppression.  Erwin Mills organized fire fighting efforts, using this map of Cooleemee providing manpower, equipment and an alarm system where the work whistle was blown in a code to advise which street the fire was on.

In about 1958 Erwin Mills approached Jerusalem Fire department about assisting with fire protection in the Cooleemee area. With Erwin Mills providing a building, truck and other equipment. Jerusalem fire department #2 was formed from members Jerusalem's department and other dedicated men from the Cooleemee area. Then in 1981 Cooleemee Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated.

Although the close relationship with Jerusalem has remained, Cooleemee VFD now had its own identity. Since incorporation the Cooleemee VFD has built a new station on Marginal street between the Elementary school and the First Baptist Church. This building includes 8 truck bays with 4 trucks, a kitchen, 2 offices and a modern classroom environment for training.

 The Cooleemee VFD currently has an active roster of 22 members, which includes 2 junior firefighters.

Our junior program allows teenagers between the ages of 16 & 18 of the community to begin learning fire fighting skills before they are eligible to become full members.

The Cooleemee VFD also operates a first responders program operated by Emergency Medical Technicians from within the department. the first responders provide the citizens within the Cooleemee fire district with rapid response to medical emergencies.

With the threat to our society as seen in recent years, members are receiving training in Homeland Defense measures to be able to provide aid in the event of any unforeseen events. With the many changes since the early days, the Cooleemee VFD stands prepared to assist in all types of emergency situations from fires and wrecks, to medical emergencies and Storm damage.