Smithey said plans include having Bob Baity, oldest living Wilkesboro Fire Department member, cuta cake; recognition of Laura Stroud for her many years of service as treasurer of the Wilkesborofirefighter’s relief fund; and recognition of the late Carl Bullis as the longest serving Wilkesboro firechief (1932-1959). He said plaques will be presented to current and past Wilkesboro firefighters.
Bob Berry, a former Wilkesboro fire chief and now an assistant chief, will talk about the history of thefire department. Records show Robert Cranor was the first chief.
A banner with photos of everyone who has served as Wilkesboro fire chief will be displayed.Smithey has been chief since 2011.
Chiefs prior to him were, in order, Bud Molnar, Lee Sudia, KeithReid, Mike Testerman, Robert Berry, Carter Perkins, Dennis R. Riddle, Jay Parker, William Edgar Harris, Henry Smithey, Jay Jones, Robert “Bob” L. Parker, Fred Shoemaker, Carl Bullis and RobertCranor.
Later Saturday, 12/06/2025, the Wilkesboro Fire Department will participate in the annual Wilkes CountyChristmas parade through Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.
