Gallery

LAKE COMFORT SUBSTATION DEDICATION & RIBBON CUTTING

September 24, 2022: Invitations were mailed earlier in the month.

September 24, 2022: Page 1 Program

September 24, 2022: Page 2 Program

September 24, 2022: Page 3 Program

September 24, 2022: Page 4 Program

September 24, 2022: Chief Stotesberry welcomes everyone.

September 24, 2022: James Shelton, Ken Chilcoat, and Tekisha Jordan , member of VFW Post #226 raised the flag to begin the ceremony.

September 24, 2022: Tynia Mayo Harris sang the National Anthem.

September 24, 2022: Pastor Cliff Harvell gave the invocation.

September 24, 2022: M. Henry Williams, President gave the special words.

September 24, 2022: Chief Stotesberry presented a framed copy of the bronze plaque dedicating the Lake Comfort Station to the Earl D. Pugh, Jr. Family.

September 24, 2022: Earl D. Pugh, Jr. with remarks following the presentation.

September 24, 2022: Betty Jo Shepheard spoke on behalf of US Senator Richard Burr.

September 24, 2022: William Moore spoke on behalf of US Congressman Greg Murphy.

September 24, 2022: USDA NC Director Reginald Speight.

September 24, 2022: NC State Fire Marshal Mike Causey.

September 24, 2022: NC Senator Bobby Hanig.

September 24, 2022: Approximately 150 people were in attendance.

September 24, 2022: The ribbon cutting: (l-r) Jason Stotesberry, Jaylon McCullor, Erin Taylor, Tyler Williams, Johnny Stotesberry, Carl Pugh, & Kevin Simpson

September 24, 2022:

It was a beautiful fall day for the festivities!

September 24, 2022: Shovels from the July 17, 2021 groundbreaking were on display.

September 24, 2022: Food prepared by The Quarter Deli, Swan Quarter.

September 24, 2022: Several flower arrangements throughout the area were provided by Glenda Brooks Williams.

September 24, 2022: Cake prepared by Kaila Williams.

September 24, 2022: Chief Stotesberry and wife, Jenny, cut the cake.

September 24, 2022: A gigantic American flag greeted attendees in the bay area.

September 24, 2022: Three tables were set up with goody bags for the visitors to take home.

September 24, 2022: Many thanks to our vendors and other organizations who donated items for the goody bags!

September 24, 2022: The Earl D. Pugh, Jr. Family stop to view the bronze plaque inside the building.

September 24, 2022: The wording on the plaque.

September 24, 2022: Jessica Abrams Gibbs presented Chief Stotesberry with a pen & ink drawing of the new Lake Comfort Station.

September 24, 2022: Thanks to everyone who attended!

SWAN QUARTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE

July 17, 2021: A dual invitations was mailed out earlier inviting the public to the Groundbreaking and the 50th Anniversary Open House.

July 17, 2021: This sign greeted visitors at the Open House.

July 17, 2021: Dual Program, cover page.

July 17, 2021, program page 2.

July 17, 2021, program page 3

July 17, 2021, program page 4

July 17, 2021: Flags were flying everywhere for this occasion.

July 17, 2021: Catering provided by The Quarter Grill. Decorations throughout the Open House provided by Glenda Williams, Clare Baum, Margie Brooks, and Jeffrey Stotesberry.

July 17, 2021: refreshments!

July 17, 2021: Centerpiece of fresh flowers provided by Glenda Williams.

July 21, 2021: Tables were set up in one of the bays.

July 21, 2021: Chief Stotesberry welcomed everyone.

July 17, 2021: Bennett Emory, one of the Swan Quarter VFD's charter members gives the blessing.

July 21, 2021: Chief Stotesberry introduces some of the Swan Quarter VFD members.

July 21, 2021: Margie Brooks gives a brief history of the Swan Quarter VFD.

July 17, 2021: Betty Jo Shepheard, on behalf of US Senator Richard Burr, honors the Swan Quarter VFD on it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: Trey Lewis, on behalf of US Senator Thom Tillis, honor the Swan Quarter VFD on the occasion of it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: William Moore, on behalf of US Congressman Greg Murphy, honors the Swan Quarter VFD on it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: NC Senator Bob Steinburg honor the Swan Quarter VFD on it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: NC Representative Bobby Hanig honors the Swan Quarter VFD on the occasion of it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: Earl Pugh, Jr., Chairman of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners honors the Swan Quarter VFD on the occasion of it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: NC Fire Marshal Mike Causey honors the Swan Quarter VFD on the occasion of it's 50th Anniversary.

July 17, 2021: NC State Fire Marshal Mike Causey also presented the Swan Quarter VFD with a recent Volunteer Fire Department grant of $30,000.00!

LAKE COMFORT SUBSTATION GROUNDBREAKING

July 17, 2021: Site of the official Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lake Comfort Substation, 149 NC 94, Swan Quarter, NC.

July 17, 2021: Attendees were able to see the proposed building and layout.

July 17, 2021: Shovels at the ready for the groundbreaking!

July 17, 2021: Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry and members of the Swan Quarter VFD welcomed attendees on a very hot July morning!

July 17, 2021: Former Chief Roger Paxton gives the invocation.

July 17, 2021: Earl Pugh, Jr. explains why his family chose to donate the property for the new substation.

July 17, 2021: Robert Kerns, USDA - Rural Development explains the project and congratulates the Swan Quarter VFD on the hard work done so far to make this a reality.

July 17, 2021: NC Insurance Commissioner (& State Fire Marshal) Mike Causey shares his remarks with the gathered crowd.

July 17, 2021: Hyde County Sheriff Guire Cahoon explains how the new substation will benefit all of Hyde County.

July 17, 2021 (l-r) NC Senator Bob Steinburg; NC Representative Bobby Hanig; SQVFD President Henry Williams; NC Fire Marshal Mike Causey; SQVFD Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry; William Moore (representing US Congressman Grey Murphy); Dianne & Earl Pugh; Betty Jo. Shepheard (representing US Senator Richard Burr); and Trey Lewis (representing US Senator Thom Tillis) .

June 30, 2021: Chief Cahoon was honored at a small reception to recognize his 16 years of service to the Department.

June 30, 2021: In the 50 years the Swan Quarter VFD has been in business, they have had only 3 Fire Chiefs: (l-r) Current Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry, Former Chief Roger Paxton, and their first Chief Hiatt Cahoon!

June 30, 2021: Chief Cahoon standing next to the Swan Quarter VFD's brush truck adorned with a special graphic in his honor.

June 30, 2021: Close-up of the brush truck graphic that the truck now displays in honor of the first Fire Chief Hiatt Cahoon.

INCIDENTS, TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS & WHAT'S UP AT THE STATION

February 22, 2022: Live burn on Main Street, Swan Quarter.

February 20, 2022: Live burn at Mattamuskeet School ballpark.

February 21, 2023: Tideland EMC training at Lake Comfort Station for Mainland VFDs.

January 13, 2023: Mutual aid to house fire in Fairfield.

January 05, 2023: Roadside fire when truck lost wheel.

November 15, 2022: Vehicle and tractor wreck.

October 10, 2022: Fire Prevention Week with Mattamuskeet PreK.

June 25, 2022: Erik is our budding future Junior Firefighter!

June 17, 2021: Jeep fire in a cornfield. Vehicle a total loss.

June 17, 2021: A volunteer Swan Quarter VFD firefighter happened upon the incident and called for help.

June 17, 2021: Max, the Jeep owner's dog was safely rescued!

June 15, 2021: On the right is our new overhead door that Pantego Overhead Door replaced 6 months after the Chief backed into the old door with the brush truck!

June 2, 2021: David Midyette was the winner of the Harris Family Benefit Raffle!

June 2, 2021: Thanks to the Hyde County community for their support of this very successful event!

June 1, 2021: Jason Stotesberry & Kevin Simpson remove MATTIE Arts Center signs from old Hyde County Courthouse.

June 1, 2021: Community service for MATTIE Arts Center using the ladder truck!

May 18, 2021: President Henry Williams signs USDA documents for new Lake Comfort Substation.

May 18, 2021: Secretary Carl Pugh signs USDA documents for new Lake Comfort Substation.

May 12, 2021: 2000 Spartan Luverne Pumper/Tanker truck added to fleet.

May 12, 2021: Fireman Carl Pugh drove the newest truck from SC to Swan Quarter!

May 12, 2021: Chief Stotesberry, Carl Pugh, and Jason Stotesberry went to Conway, SC to pickup our newest pumper/tanker.

April 5, 2021: The Swan Quarter VFD and the Columbia VFD honoring Fairfield Retire Chief Lindsey Glenn Mooney who passed away on April 1, 2021.

April 5, 2021: The Swan Quarter VFD's ladder truck flying the American flag in honor of Chief Mooney. SQVFD Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry and 2LT Henry Williams participated.

April 5, 2021: The Columbia VFD's (Tyrrell County) ladder truck flying the American flag in honor of Chief Mooney. Columbia VFD Chief Johnny Spencer participated.

March 2, 2021: l-r Carl Pugh, Jaylon McCullor, & Jason Stotesberry on their way to Ocracoke to delivery a freezer which completes the Ocracoke Hispanic Outreach project we undertook following Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

February 22, 2021: Deed to the land where the new Lake Comfort Substation will be located was received!

February 8, 2021: House fire on Mapletown Lane. No injuries.

February 8, 2021: House fire on Mapletown Lane. Home a total loss.

December 15, 2020: Main Street, Swan Quarter, training exercise.

December 15, 2020: One of our old trucks headed to its new home in Foley, AL.

December 15, 2020: New owner of our old fire truck - headed to Foley, AL.

December 12, 2020: Temporary repairs made to the bay door!

December 10, 2020: A little damage to the bay door when the Chief backed into it with the brush truck.

November 24, 2020: Ladder truck training & community service project all rolled into one!

November 24, 2020: Removing artwork from old Hyde County Courthouse for Friends of Hyde County's 1854 Courthouse.

November 24, 2020: Ladder truck donated to SQVFD by Boiling Spring Lakes VFD earlier this year.

November 2, 2020: Asphalt truck overturned on US264 near Rose Bay, spilling its contents.

November 2, 2020: Traffic was blocked on US 264 for several hours as the asphalt truck lay across US264,

November 2, 2020: J & J Wrecker service from Plymouth was on the scene to right the truck. Their dog supervised by watching the action in the truck's side mirror.

November 2, 2020: Asphalt truck after it has been righted again. (l-r) Tyler Williams, Harry Clark, Robert Gibbs, Jr., Mark Halla, Jaylon McCullor, Carl Pugh, Andrew Wheeler, & Jason Stotesberry. Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry was also on the scene.

October 26, 2020: House fire, 190 Second Street, Swan Quarter. All persons & pets are safe.

October 26, 2020: Damage to kitchen area, house fire, 190 Second Street, Swan Quarter.

October 26, 2020: The crew cleaning up after the house fire 190 Second Street, Swan Quarter.

October 1, 2020: Tractor-trailer accident on US 264 near Walter B. Jones Bridge. Truck was hauling corn.

October 1, 2020: Wrecker hauling tractor-trailer out of ditch.

October 1, 2020: tractor trailer upright.

September 19, 2020: The 1987 Simon-Duplex LTI Ladder Truck that Boiling Spring Lakes VFD donated to the Swan Quarter VFD. This is the first ladder truck EVER in service on Mainland Hyde County!

September 19, 2020: On left are members of the Boiling Spring Lakes VFD with their new fire truck & on right are members of the Swan Quarter VFD with the truck that was donated to them! l-r: BSLVFD: FF Daniel Edge , Capt Tony Baker, President Darrell Bryant, Asst Chief Nathan McConnell, Chief Theresa Tickle/SQVFD: Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry, FF Kevin Simpson, FF Carl Pugh, Explorer Jaylon McCullor, & Explorer Jason Stotesberry

September 19, 2020: Members of the Boiling Spring Lakes VFD will soon come to Swan Quarter to train our folks on the operation of this truck!

September 19, 2020: Happy group of Swan Quarter VFD firefighters that went to Boiling Spring Lakes VFD to pick up the donated truck!

September 19, 2020: Carl Pugh got to drive the home-stretch portion of the return trip from Boiling Spring Lakes!

September 19, 2020: Kevin Simpson got the honors of driving the first leg of the return trip from Boiling Spring Lakes!

September 11, 2020: Never Forget!

September 10, 2020: Revised rendering of our new proposed Lake Comfort Substation!

August 13, 2020: SQVFD members meet with architect Ben Cahoon to fine-tune plans for the new Lake Comfort Substation.

August 13, 2020: Welcome to USDA-Rural Development for a presentation to the SQVFD.

August 13, 2020: Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry and USDA-RD NC Director Robert Hosford. Hoford informed the group that a grant for $48,200.00 had been awarded to the SQVFD for equipment.

August 13, 2020: (l-r) NC Representative Bobby Hanig, Hyde County Sheriff Guire Cahoon, Fire Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry, and Robert Hosford/USDA-RD.

July 15, 2020: Jaylon McCullor assisted the Hyde County Health Department during COVID-19 testing at Mattamuskeet School Campus.

July 6, 2020: The Swan Quarter VFD paid off the 2003 USDA loan that made the remodeling/addition to the 1971 building possible.

July 6, 2020: This photo is what the Swan Quarter VFD looked like in 2003 before the remodeling/addition.

July 6, 2020: This photo is what the Swan Quarter VFD looked like following the remodeling/addition.

June 27, 2020: Our first fundraiser since COVID-19 and we're ready!

June 27, 2020: Social distancing was practiced!

June 27, 2020: Even the dessert table had social distancing rules!

June 27, 2020: Masks and sanitizer were encouraged!

June 18, 2020: NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey presents a $5,000.00 check to Chief Stotesberry. Grants from the NC Department of Insurance & Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC made it possible for all 5 Hyde County VFDs to receive a similar check!

June 18, 2020: Extra large presentation checks were handed out along with the 'real' thing during the presentation. All Hyde County VFDs were represented.

June 18, 2020: Commissioner Causey also serves as the State Fire Marshall and has shown a desire to help VFDs statewide.

June 18, 2020: The County of Hyde was represented by (l-r) Commissioner Swindell, County Manager Kris Noble, and Commissioner Pugh.

June 18, 2020: Swan Quarter VFD members pose along with Commissioner Causey.

June 18, 2020: COVID-19 grant presentation by NC Department of Insurance.

May 10, 2020: Working in the moonlight to repair a fuel line leak in Engine #91.

May 10, 2020: Subsequently, all fuel lines were replaced in Engine #91.

May 5, 2020: Swan Quarter VFD responds to vehicle wreck on US 264 east of Rose Bay Oyster Company. Visit the Swan Quarter VFD Facebook page for more photos & videos. [Link on the bottom right of home page on this website.]

May 5, 2020: Swan Quarter VFD on scene with a 3,000-gallon LP gas tanker that had ended up in the ditch with the driver's side in the water. Driver taken to hospital with no serious injuries reported.

May 5, 2020: Hyde County EMS also responded to the call. Fire & emergency personnel from Beaufort and Martin counties were also on hand at various times throughout the long incident!

May 5, 2020: Swan Quarter VFD pumper truck in background prepared to draw water out of the ditch to fight fire, if necessary. Lights were set up as darkness approached.

May 5, 2020: Prior to the tanker truck being pulled out of the ditch, the LP gas had to be removed.

May 5, 2020: Members of the NC RRT-1 NC Hazardous Materials Response Team, headquartered in Williamston, NC were on site to assist. The team provides HazMat response to 25 northeast NC counties, including Hyde.

May 6, 2020: This incident went on into the early morning hours of the next day when the wrecked vehicle was eventually pulled from the water.

May 6, 2020: Out of the water!

May 6, 2020: Some of the personnel working through the night.

May 6, 2020: Two wreckers worked to haul the vehicle out of the water.

May 6, 2020: Wrecked vehicle being loaded on low boy trailer.

April 30, 2020: Structure fire at a Swan Quarter residence. No injuries.

April 26, 2020: At the NC Ferry Division landing zone, the Swan Quarter VFD & Hyde County Emergency Services help to evacuate a Cross Creek Health Care resident needing medical care via East Care.

April 25, 2020: Swan Quarter VFD Fire Chief Jeffrey Stotesberry demonstrates the proper way to wear a cloth face mask during COVID-19 pandemic.

April 14, 2020: Live burn training. This is the before photo.

April 14, 2020: Live burn training. This is the during photo.

April 14, 2020: Live burn training. (Back l-r) Henry Williams, Robert Gibbs, Jr., James Selby, Andrew Wheeler, Carl Pugh, Jaylon McCullor & Jeffrey Stotesberry. (Front l-r) Patrick Tuck, Mark Halla, JT Stotesberry.

April 15, 2020: Live burn training. This is the after photo.

April 13, 2020: Fire Call at Cross Creek Health Care (l-r) Patrick Tuck, JT Stotesberry, Carl Pugh, & Jaylon McCullor. Rescue Randy (in front).

April 13, 2020: Rescue Randy has been hanging out at Cross Creek (he helps with staff training). He's setting the example for everyone to wear their face masks during COVID-19.

March 27, 2020: The training room floor is shining and now the furniture is going back in!

March 25, 2020: Sprucing up the training room floor!

March 25, 2020: After!

March 17, 19, & 20, 2020: Annual Pumps, Ladders, & Hoses Certification by

Allred Fire Equipment.

March 17, 19, & 20, 2020: Annual Pumps, Ladders, & Hoses Certification

The SQVFD, Hyde County EMS, and East Care evacuate a patient on February 15, 2020

The SQVFD provides a landing zone for East Care to land on February 15, 2020.

East Care flies into the landing zone provided by the SQVFD October 1, 2019

September 10, 2015 Combine fire.

Rescue Randy is our life-sized training dummy & often greets visitors at the front door.

October 1, 2019

September 27, 2019: Swan Quarter VFD members ready to go to Ocracoke to relieve the Ocracoke VFD members post-Dorian.

September 27, 2019: l-r: Carl Wayne Pugh, Tyler Williams, & Jaylon McCullor

September 27, 2019: Boarding the ferry to Ocracoke.

July 9, 2016: Agri-rescue training at Perdue/Belhaven.

May 20, 2016: Agri-rescue training in Hyde County.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS

November 3, 2020: The Swan Quarter VFD hosts the Hyde County Board of Elections for the 2020 General Election!

November 3, 2020: Social distancing and the 2020 General Election, hosted by the Swan Quarter VFD.

June 27, 2020: The dining room for our first fundraiser since COVID-19 was arranged for social distancing!

June 27, 2020: Many, many thanks to Lee Bland and Madge Williams at Hobo Seafood for sponsoring this much needed fundraiser, and to all of you who attended. We appreciate your support!

April 24 & 25, 2020: Various folk from the Swan Quarter community helped distribute eggs in a drive-thru event in Swan Quarter.

April 24, 2020: JoAnn Spencer & Marsha Gibbs with the Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department picked up eggs for Engelhard.

April 24, 2020: Cory Carawan of Mattamuskeet Seafood loaded eggs for delivery to Fairfield and Ocracoke from Rose Acre Farms refrigerated truck.

April 23, 2020: Rose Acre Farms brings a refrigerated truck with 3600 dozen eggs to the Swan Quarter VFD for distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ever wonder what 400 pounds of potatoes looks like? Thanks to the community volunteers who came out and 'de-eyed' them for the Davis benefit lunch on February 20, 2020.

Many thanks to the community for making this benefit lunch a success!

The view from the front porch of the SQVFD on a winter evening 2020.

Robert Hosford, NC Director USDA-RD & Kim Daniels, Area Specialist tour the department on January 30, 2020.

Members of the SQVFD meet with NC USDA personnel on January 30, 2020.

August 1, 2019: Chief Stotesberry & Hyde County 4-Hers during Search & Rescue 2019

August 31, 2019: Shrimp lunch/dinner during Blue Crab Festival.

August 31, 2019: Local author Carol Evans signs her book Crabby's Boo-Boo during the Blue Crab Festival.

August 31, 2019:

August 31, 2019: WNCT Channel 9's Madeline Ashley stopped in to take photos and interview folks eating lunch at the SQVFD during the Blue Crab Festival.

Agusut 31, 2019: The crowd lined up down the street for the SQVFD's Shrimp Lunch/Dinner during the Blue Crab Festival.

October 26, 2019: Sophie Pugh's "Ocracoke Strong" teeshirts, kozies, & other items were on sale at the SQVFD Lunch/Dinner.

October 26, 2019: Sophie Pugh & her mom Teresa Pugh setting up for sale of "Ocracoke Strong" items to benefit Ocracoke.

Dottie, the Dalmatian, rides shotgun when the SQVFD participates in parades around the county.

The American Red Cross holds several Blood Drives in the bay of the Swan Quarter VFD each year.

Banners like this go up around Swan Quarter each time there is a fundraiser lunch/dinner planned.

BBQ chicken is just one of the varied fundraiser meals served on the last Saturday of each month at the Department.

Fried shrimp, fried fish, BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, fried pork chops, and fried chicken with the trimmings and homemade desserts available the last Saturday of January-October.