Fuquay-Varina consistently ranks among the safest communities in North Carolina, reflecting the town’s commitment to public safety. Recent surveys demonstrate this, with residents overwhelmingly expressing feelings of safety and satisfaction with local police and fire services. But maintaining this reputation isn’t a sign of complacency; it’s a result of continuous investment and proactive planning.
Lt. Michael MacDonald, Police Chief Tim Smith, Accreditation and Planning Specialist Rosie Wagner, and Capt. Brett Walsh attended the CALEA presentation in Grove City, California.
Just last March, the town opened Fire Station 4, a state-of-the-art facility on Wade Nash Road, significantly expanding response capabilities in the northwest area. This award-winning station isn’t just in a convenient location; it’s designed with firefighter safety as a top priority, featuring a separate decontamination building to protect personnel from harmful combustion byproducts.
The town’s dedication extends beyond infrastructure. The Fuquay-Varina Police Department recently achieved CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation, a prestigious recognition placing the department among just 1,310 agencies worldwide. This rigorous, voluntary process, earned through 18 months of work, shows a commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement, and affirms that the Fuquay-Varina Police Department’s policies and practices meet the highest standards in policing.
“We constantly strive to be the best we can be for our community, and this accreditation highlights that dedication,” says Police Chief Tim Smith.
The department is also pursuing North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation. Each of these accreditations involves periodic review of policies and procedures, a site assessment, and a hearing before the commission.
Looking to the future, the town has invested heavily in its fire fleet. In June 2023, four custom-built Spartan Emergency Response engines were ordered. They arrived in February 2024 and were officially placed in service with a celebratory “Push-In” ceremony in April. The $3.89 million investment, partially offset by $856,000 from the NC General Assembly, represents the first time in the town’s history that four new engines have been added simultaneously.
Lined up in a row, the four Spartan trucks are a beautiful sight.
These modern fire apparatus, carrying up to four firefighters and 1,000 gallons of water each, replace aging vehicles and prioritize firefighter safety through several unique features. They include a lower hose bed designed to minimize firefighter injuries during hose deployment, a dedicated compartment separated from the cab for transporting dirty turnout gear — reducing firefighter exposure to harmful carcinogens — and an automatic engine shutdown system. This system, coupled with a bank of batteries, reduces fuel expenses, vehicle wear and tear, and firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.
“The Town of Fuquay-Varina will continue to prioritize and invest in our police and fire departments, providing them with the resources they need to keep our community safe and thriving,” says Mayor Blake Massengill.
To learn more about public safety in Fuquay-Varina, visit fuquay-varina.org/fire or fuquay-varina.org/police.
