Who We Are

The Sherrills Ford Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1969 when a group of individuals recognized the need for fire service. The first station was built in 1972 by volunteers who worked to obtain donations in materials and labor. In 1998, the Sherrills Ford Volunteer Fire Department merged with the Sherrills Ford Rescue Squad and formed what we are now known as Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire & Rescue (SFTFR).

Since that time, SFTFR has grown to become the second largest district in Catawba County, encompassing 48 square miles. The department provides fire suppression, medical first response, technical rescue, water rescue including recovery and fire and life safety education services to a population of almost 10,000 residents that swells to around 20,000 in the summer months. The department averages over 1000 emergency responses a year and provides services to 117 miles of Lake Norman Shoreline.

The department operates out of four strategically located fire stations and has a current staff of 31 full-time and volunteer staff. The department is currently certified by the NC Association of Rescue and EMS as Heavy Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Agriculture Rescue and Water Rescue. The department also has the second largest fleet in Catawba County with 4 Engines, 4 Tankers, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 4-Quick Response Vehicles, 1- Mobile Air Trailer, 1- Mobile Generator, 2 Marine Units, Hazmat Trailer an a Remote Operations Vehicle (ROV) and Operations Trailer.

In 2014, the department applied for and received Accreditation from the NC Fire & Rescue Commission as a Self-Delivery Agency. This has enabled the department to provide the following certification courses in-house to all members as well as surrounding department in the areas of Firefighter, Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I/II and Fire Officer I/II. The department currently carries a NC Response Rating System classification of 4/9E. While the current rating has saved residents on their homeowner’s insurance premiums, the department is currently working to further improve upon that rating to provide even greater benefits to the community.

Values Statement

Pride: Pride is the understanding of the fire service and having respect for it. There have been thousands of men and women wear the uniform before you, some who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It may take years before you are accepted into the fire service by other firefighters. These other firefighters are making sure that you understand and believe in the service before they welcome you. The day you are accepted, you will become part of a brotherhood that is unmatched by any other business or company known to man. The day that happens, you will truly understand pride.

Honor: Honor comes from knowing that the service you provide to your community is unmatched. Every time you put on the uniform, turn-out gear, or step foot on the rig, you may never come home. Again, there are thousands of firefighters that stepped on the rig and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. When you even mention the words fire service, you should speak highly and loudly, because you are honoring the ones before you. When you place the fire department uniform on, take honor in knowing you are now representing thousands of firefighters across this nation, especially those who took their final ride without returning to quarters.

Integrity: Integrity is the understanding that the fire service is a band of brothers/sisters who are morally and ethically true to themselves and others. The fire service does not allow just anyone to join the brotherhood, and there is a natural weeding process for those who do not have integrity. The fire service expects its firefighters to live by the core values. Your integrity is best judged by how you act when no one is looking.