Red Oak Community Rural Fire Department was organized May 23, 1962 after a group of local farmers and business men determined the need for a local fire department.  This need became apparent after a barn, owned by a local farmer, burned to the ground causing him to loose most of his equipment and crop.  The nine charter members were:  H.R. Allen, J.T. Manning, James Bullock, Elvy Forrest Sr., Carl Crawford, Hubert Crawford, Wadell Manning, Brownie Manning and Arron Case. 

The first fire station was originally scheduled to be erected on the property  of Arron Case which was located on the corner of Dickenson Avenue Ext. and Allen Road. However, it was later determined to build the station beside the residence of H.R and Jean Allen which was located just west of that intersection on the Farmville Hwy. 

The first truck owned by the established fire department was an old oil truck donated by the State of North Carolina.  This truck was kept under a rented shelter on the property of H.R. and Jean Allen until a station was built.

In 1962, a block building with two bays, an office and a potbelly stove was erected and a new fire truck was purchased.  This truck was a 1962 Ford purchased from Leo Venters Ford in Ayden and was taken to the Hackney Corporation for it's body installation.  Both trucks were then housed in the fire station.  The first recorded Chief was H.R. Allen.

In the early years of the fire department, to be a member in good standing included attending monthly business meetings.  If absent three monthly business meetings in a row, a good explanation had to be given for being absent.

From the 1960's through the mid 1970's  Red Oak Fire Department participated in formalized training offered through the Pitt County Fire Marshal's Office.  Once you completed the training and if money was available you would be issued a fire helment and a long firefighting jacket.

Firefighter's received notification of alarm's through a "fire whistle" erected at the fire station any by telephone.  The wife of H.R. Allen would notify each member by telephone after receiving a call indicating the need for the fire department. This call was received from Pitt County Government Officials.  The "fire whistle" is still being used today.

In 1976, the fire department purchased it's first true fire engine from E-One. It was a 1976 Ford with a 750 gallon pump.

To make room for a growing station, the original 30 x 40 building was enlarged. This was the first of two additions in the 1980's. The first was an addition that included the removal of the office to make room for an additional truck and the removal of the potbelly stove.  The second addition added an upstairs, storage area and meeting room. 

The 1980's also brought the retirement of Chief H.R. Allen and the appointment of his son H.R. Allen III. In the late 1980's, H.R. Allen III requested to step down as Chief while undergoing treatment for lukemia. The appointment of the third Chief Marion E. Mills took place.

The 1990's were probably the most active years in the fire department history with the securing of additional apparatus and the purchasing of our second new fire engine. A 1996 International E-One pumper with a 1000 gpm pump and a 1000 gallon tank. The 90's also brought us our fourth Chief Mike Smith.

Chief Smith brought the department into modern times by updating our by-laws, increasing training and implementing a trained team to perform basic rescue techniques such as vehicle extrication and high-angle rescue. Those methods are still being used today. He also made plans in 1997 for a new station.

In September of 2001, the new 12,000.00 square foot fire station was erected by the hardwork of it's members with only a few items contracted for it's completion.  Farrior & Son served as our contractor with Ivey Pinkelton as it's supervisor.

In 2001, the fire department also purchased it's third new fire engine which was a 2001 Freightliner with a 1260 gpm pump and a 1000 gallon tank.

In 2006, Chief Mike Smith retired from the fire service with over 20+ years as a committed leader for the Red Oak Fire Department and the appointment of our Fifth Chief Chad Singleton took place. 

Chief Singleton led to the adoption of our first chaplaincy program, updated the by-laws, created a Fire Operations Manual, expanded the existing structure by adding office space, additional meeting space and carpeted the lounge.

In 2008, we secured a loan for two new fire engines and upgraded equipment through grants and reduced our current insurance rating by two full points which results in reduction in the payment of insurance premiums paid by our district residents and business owners.

July of 2009, brought to us our sixth Fire Chief Bryant Beddard. Chief Beddard is working diligently to reduce operational cost during these tuff economic times while continuing to provide the same essential services to the community. 

The membership of Red Oak Community Rural Fire Department is proud of its heritage.  We give God the thanks and glory for all things accomplished.  Our faith and hope for the future are built, not on buildings, organizations, or certain beliefs, but on the Lord Jesus Christ.