Robinson Fire Department
The Robinson Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD), located in eastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, has been a vital part of the community's emergency services since its establishment.
Founding and Early Years
RVFD was originally formed in 1953 as the Hickory Grove Volunteer Fire Department. The department's first station was situated on Hickory Grove Road in Charlotte, and in its inaugural year, it responded to 21 calls.
Expansion and Reorganization
As the City of Charlotte expanded and annexed much of the Hickory Grove district, the department built a substation further east near the Cabarrus County line in 1984. By 1988, the remaining Hickory Grove district was better served by this substation, leading to the official reorganization of the department as the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department. The original Hickory Grove station was closed, and operations were consolidated at the Mecklenburg Shrine Club Road location. The station was expanded from four bays to six bays to accommodate the department's needs.
Current Operations
Today, RVFD operates out of a single station located at 5304 Mecklenburg Shrine Club Road in Charlotte. The department comprises approximately 30 members and responds to an average of 1,000 calls per year. RVFD provides fire, EMS, and rescue services to eastern Mecklenburg County, with its service area extending from the Charlotte city limits to the Cabarrus County line. The department is bordered by the Charlotte Fire Department to the west, Mint Hill Fire Department to the south, and Harrisburg and Flowes Store Volunteer Fire Departments to the north and east, respectively.
Apparatus and Equipment
RVFD maintains a fleet of apparatus to effectively respond to emergencies, including:
• Engine 1: 1998 Pierce Saber (1500 GPM pump / 750-gallon tank)
• Engine 2: 2001 Pierce Saber (1250 GPM pump / 1000-gallon tank / 30-gallon foam)
• Engine 4: 1989 Ford / Grumman (1250 GPM pump / 1000-gallon tank)
• Brush 6: 2020 Ford F-550 / Anchor-Richey EVS (250 GPM pump / 400-gallon tank)
• Rescue 8: 2001 Spartan / Marion
Community Engagement and Challenges
RVFD actively engages with the community by providing updates and information on fire safety and department activities. In 2020, Mecklenburg County's Land Use and Environmental Services Agency recommended shutting down RVFD and another volunteer fire department, citing insufficient tax revenue to support operations. However, after public hearings and community input, the county tabled the proposal, allowing RVFD to continue serving its district.
Through its dedicated volunteer force and commitment to public safety, the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department continues to play a crucial role in protecting the residents of eastern Mecklenburg County.