About the Department

Message from the ChiefChief-WadeIt is an honor and privilege to serve as your Fire & EMS Chief. I have the great fortune to work alongside many talented, dedicated and highly trained firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics. These individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others by providing quality services to our residents, businesses and visitors on a daily basis. They provide these services with near flawless perfection often under the most stressful and dangerous circumstances.

The Morehead City Fire Department was organized in 1906 and the Morehead City EMS Department was formed in 1958, as Morehead City Rescue Squad. On July 1, 2000, the two departments merged, becoming the current Morehead City Fire & EMS Department. As of October 1, 2014, the Morehead City Fire & EMS merged with Wildwood Fire & EMS, now serving an approximate daily population of 28,000 and an area of 23 Square Miles.

The Morehead City Fire & EMS Department has an Insurance Rating of a Class 3 by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.  Morehead City Fire & EMS is comprised of 51 Full-time career staff, in addition to an average of (15) part-time (PRN) to include:

  • Chief
  • Deputy Chief
  • Asst. Chief/Fire Marshal
  • Asst. Fire Marshal
  • (3) Battalion Chiefs
  • (9) Captains
  • EMS Coordinator
  • (3) Stations

Morehead City is a popular tourist destination known as the Fisherman’s Paradise and home for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament. If you are just visiting, on vacation or Morehead City is your home, know that if Morehead City Fire & EMS can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Sincerely,

Jon C. Wade

Fire/EMS Chief

Group of firefighters in front of a fire engine wearing Autism Acceptance t-shirts

Mission Statement

With pride, dedication, and respect, the Morehead City Fire and EMS Department will safeguard life, property and the environment for the citizens and visitors of our community.