DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
Kenly Volunteer Fire Department is a combination paid/volunteer fire department proudly serving a community of 6,200 citizens. Our department currently operates two engines, a tanker, a service/rescue truck, brush truck, first responder/command vehicle, and special operations trailer. We provide fire protection, medium rescue services, and first responder medical services. Our primary response area covers over 44 square miles and is composed of rural and residential areas, light industry and commercial properties, interstate highway, and rail line. We maintain an ISO rating of Class 4 in the Town of Kenly and Class 5/9E in the Beulah Rural Fire District. The Class 5 applies to all properties within 5 miles of the fire insurance district. Class 9E applies to all other properties within the fire district outside the 5 miles, but no more than 6 miles. All of our members train to meet fire, rescue, and emergency medical standards set forth by the state of North Carolina, Johnston County and Wilson County.
Mailing Address
PO Box 868,
Kenly, NC 27542
Physical Address
101 West 1st Street,
Kenly, NC 27542
Phone: 919-284-4441
MISSION STATEMENT
The Kenly Volunteer Fire Department is to be a leading emergency service organization, committed to life safety through the education and professional development of our members, seeking to prevent and minimize the effects of fires and other emergencies while using an all hazards approach to better prepare our community to meet the challenges brought forth by natural and manmade disasters, and the protection of our community in the response to fire, rescue, and medical emergencies; working together as a team, taking full advantage of the knowledge, skills, and creativity of our members.
OREN FIRE TRUCK RESTORATION
The Oren Fire Engine is a 1944 Ford, manufactured by the former Oren Fire Apparatus Company of Roanoke, Virginia. It was the second apparatus purchased by Kenly Volunteer Fire Department and it served the community for 24 years. It was then sold to Falcon Fire Department in 1971. After that the specifics of the truck’s whereabouts are unclear. We do know it eventually ended up with the Brookville Airpark Fire Department in Brookville, Indiana. After that the truck was apparently sold to the Pizza King of Rushville, Indiana.
In June of 2002, Mr. Brian O’Loughlin of Kelly, Iowa purchased the truck. Mr. O’Loughlin bought the truck with the intent of restoring it to its original specifications, but due to lack of space and time he was not able to complete the project. In 2012, Mr. O’Loughlin contacted our department to inquire if we had any interest in purchasing the truck. The members of Kenly Fire Department held a meeting and decided to move forward with the purchase. A deal was made and the truck was purchased at the cost of $5,000.00. The truck was delivered back home to the fire station on December 27, 2012.
The department agreed that no tax dollars would be used to restore the truck, that only donations and fundraiser money would fund the project. To accomplish this we established the Kenly Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. We all agreed to restore the truck as closely as we could to its original condition when delivered in 1944. After two years and through the creative work of Mike’s Paint and Body, his staff, and the members of the Kenly Volunteer Fire Department, the 1944 Oren Fire Engine was restored and rededicated to the Kenly Volunteer Fire Department at the 75th Anniversary Banquet on May 1, 2015. The Oren will not only be used for living history, parades, and other events, but it will also serve as an object of immense pride for the Kenly Volunteer Fire Department and the citizens of the community.