PENDER COUNTY — A volunteer fire department in Pender County came under public scrutiny last year amid a lawsuit alleging financial misconduct, deficient performance, and nepotism. The county dropped claims of wrongdoing against the department and reached a new agreement to ensure county fire services this week.
READ MORE: Lawsuit against Pender County fire department settled, planned to reopen with new staff
Pender County filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department last October. The suit included a host of claims against the department — located about 12 miles from Burgaw on U.S. Highway 421 — including its failure to:
- Provide staff with adequate training and certifications
- Maintain financial reporting requirements
- Obtain and deploy appropriate fire protection and suppression equipment
- Maintain a properly functioning vehicle
- Appropriately cooperate with other fire departments in the rendering of mutual aid
- Ensure staff are wearing required protective equipment and allowing staff to engage in activities they are not adequately trained to perform
The parties settled the lawsuit in June. The agreement gave Shiloh-Columbia’s land, equipment, and trucks to the county and initiated a merger with Penderlea Fire Department.
The county announced Wednesday the dispute has been resolved to mutual satisfaction. The Penderlea Fire District and Shiloh-Columbia Fire District have merged to create a new district called Penderlea Station 31. Penderlea Fire Department plans to hold an open house on the new district in January.
