The Legacy and Evolution of Charlotte Firehouse 11

Published on January 15, 2025

Firefighter Andy Toms stands in front of Firehouse 11. This powerful moment captures the deep connection firefighters feel to the places where they’ve dedicated their lives to service, as Firehouse 11 nears its transition to a new chapter. 

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire

Charlotte Firehouse 11, a cornerstone of the city’s emergency response network, has served the community with distinction since its construction in the 1950s. Located at 628 West 28th Street, the firehouse has been a beacon of safety and resilience, housing firefighters trained to respond to Charlotte’s most urgent calls for over six decades. From its inception, Firehouse 11 has played a vital role in fire suppression, technical rescues, hazardous material incidents, and emergency medical services.

The Seagrave engine and the Plymouth Belvedere Chief’s car are showcased outside Firehouse 11, offering a glimpse into the firehouse’s history during the 1960s.

As Charlotte grows and evolves, so too must its infrastructure. On January 11, 2025, the last crew will transferred out of the aging Firehouse 11, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for this historic site. While its legacy will remain indelibly etched in the city’s history, the firehouse will soon be replaced by a modern facility designed to meet the demands of a thriving urban environment. The new firehouse, built on the same site, promises to enhance the capacity and capabilities of Charlotte Fire, ensuring that the department continues its tradition of excellence well into the future.

The 1978 Ford/Howe/Grumman Telesquirt, a key piece of apparatus from Firehouse 11’s storied past, stands proudly in front of the station.

Firehouse 11 was built during a transformative period in Charlotte’s history. The 1950s marked an era of post-war growth, as the city began to expand rapidly. The firehouse’s original design reflected the modest needs of the time: a functional structure to house fire apparatus and provide living quarters for on-call firefighters. Despite its simplicity, Firehouse 11 quickly became an essential part of the city’s emergency response system.

“Firehouse 11’s legacy is rooted in decades of service and resilience,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “It has always been a critical lifeline for the community, staffed by dedicated individuals ready to face any emergency.”

This file image of shows Firehouse 11 firefighters concluding their work at a fire scene, demonstrating their dedication and teamwork in protecting the Charlotte community.

As Charlotte grew through the latter half of the 20th century, so did the demands on its fire service. In the 1970s and 1980s, Firehouse 11 underwent significant changes to address increasingly complex emergencies. Firefighters trained extensively in specialized skills, such as hazardous material mitigation, vehicle extrication, and high-angle rescues. These advancements transformed Firehouse 11 into a multi-functional hub capable of responding to a wide array of incidents.

By the early 2000s, however, the building’s limitations became apparent. The mid-century structure struggled to accommodate the advanced equipment and training facilities necessary for modern firefighting. The city began to recognize the need for a replacement that could keep pace with Charlotte’s rapid urbanization.

Scheduled to begin demolition and reconstruction in January 2025, the updated facility will provide cutting-edge resources for Charlotte Fire’s emergency responders. During this period, Engine 11 will temporarily operate out of Firehouse 4, while Rescue 11 will be housed at Firehouse 1. This ensures continuity of service even as the new facility takes shape.

A drone captures the current Firehouse 11 in its final days, a building that has stood as a beacon of service and safety for over six decades.

The new Firehouse 11 will be designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind. Key features include expanded bays for larger apparatus, improved facilities for firefighter wellness, state-of-the-art training spaces, and advanced technology for faster, more efficient emergency responses. The design also emphasizes environmental sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems and materials.

Chief Johnson emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “The new Firehouse 11 isn’t just a building; it’s a commitment to our firefighters and the residents we serve. It will provide the tools, space, and resources needed to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the new facility, there is a deep sense of nostalgia among those who have served at Firehouse 11. For many, it represents decades of memories, camaraderie, and dedication to public service. The firefighters who have called Firehouse 11 home share a collective pride in its legacy.

Engine 11 pulls out of Firehouse 11, symbolizing the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Charlotte Fire.

To honor the firehouse’s history, Charlotte Fire plans to incorporate elements of the old structure into the new design. Plaques, photographs, and other memorabilia will serve as reminders of Firehouse 11’s storied past, ensuring that its legacy lives on.

The replacement of Firehouse 11 is not merely about updating infrastructure—it’s about enhancing the safety and well-being of Charlotte’s residents. The new facility will allow Charlotte Fire to continue its mission of protecting life and property with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

Firefighter Andy Toms pauses outside Firehouse 11 alongside Engine 11, embodying the dedication and legacy of the crews who have served this historic firehouse for decades.

Chief Johnson captured the essence of this transition, saying, “Firehouse 11 has always been a cornerstone of our community. The new facility will carry forward that tradition, enabling us to serve with even greater effectiveness and care. It’s an exciting step forward for Charlotte Fire and for the city as a whole.”

The 1978 Ford/Howe/Grumman Telesquirt battles a raging fire, a testament to the bravery and expertise of the crews at Firehouse 11.

As Firehouse 11 prepares for its transformation, the city of Charlotte reflects on its legacy of service and looks forward to a future of innovation and excellence. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its role as a modern emergency response hub, Firehouse 11 has been an unwavering symbol of dedication and resilience. The new facility will ensure that this legacy continues, providing the tools and resources necessary to meet the challenges of a growing city.

While the building may change, the spirit of Charlotte Firehouse 11—its commitment to bravery, service, and community—remains steadfast. The new firehouse will stand as a testament to the city’s progress and its enduring dedication to public safety.

Rescue 11 is parked outside Firehouse 11, ready for one of its last assignments before relocating to a temporary home during the rebuild.