Silk Hope, NC – Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department (SHVFD) is wrapping up its Diamond Jubilee celebration for 60 years of service with its expansion to the eastern edge of the district with Station 21.
Improving Response with Eastern District Presence
For the last six decades, SHVFD has operated effectively and efficiently out of Station 7, in the central portion of the Hope Fire District, and Station 13, on the western end. “Our population is growing, and we’re excited to expand our reach within the community,” said Chief Mark Gaines. “Not only will this expansion allow our first responders to reach the eastern edge quicker, it will help families on that side of the district to receive a break on their homeowner’s insurance. We’re proud, too, to announce that we are in the final steps of becoming a full scope of practice EMS provider.” SHVFD presently has ten EMTs, one NREMT, one AEMT, and two Paramedics.
In August 2025, SHVFD purchased land at the corner of Hwy 64 and Buckner Clark Road for what will become Station 21. Additionally, two new apparatus (or “fire trucks”) were purchased in November 2025—a 2025 Sutphen Engine and a 2026 4 Guys Tanker. The engine will be delivered and ready for service this spring, and the tanker is currently being built to spec and will be delivered in 2027.
Celebrating Service
Every year in December, SHVFD recognizes members for notable service to the community. During this Diamond Jubilee year, Odell Grumble was honored for his 50 years of service to the department. NC Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey presented him with the Order of the Guardian Award.
Andrew McCeney was named 2025 Firefighter of the Year. When he’s not volunteering with SHVFD, he’s the Senior IT Director managing an IT operations team for ScienceLogic. “This department has been incredible to be a part of,” said McCeney. “The mentorship and support provided by my fellow members has been instrumental in building my confidence and developing my skills necessary to perform effectively as a member of this department. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the safety and well-being of our community.”
The 2025 First Responder of the Year is Matt Sickles, EMT, NREMT, an Executive Industry Strategist at CDW when he’s not volunteering for the community. “Receiving this award is a profoundly humbling honor,” said Sickles “particularly when standing alongside a team that has committed to decades of fire and medical service. This recognition isn’t a finish line, but a powerful motivator that drives me to work even harder to ensure our community’s safety.”
SHVFD is Recruiting
SHVFD is also excited to announce the development of its new Community Auxiliary, which will provide nonoperational support and community outreach to the firefighters, first responders and the community. Anyone aged 18 and older is invited to join and should contact Barb Sost (barb.sost@silkhopefire.org or 919-742-5874).
8110 Silk Hope-Gum Springs Road, Siler City, NC 27344 www.SilkHopeFire.org | 919-742-5874
While the Hope Fire District continues to cover 100 square miles, the additional station means the department is in recruitment mode. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or first responder should contact Chief Mark Gaines (mark.gaines@silkhopefire.org or 919-742-5874).
Calls to Date
SHVFD firefighters and first responders were busy during 2025, both independently and with automatic aid departments in Chatham and Alamance Counties, with a total of 444 calls for service.
• Structure fires: 25
o Primary: 5
• Vehicle fires: 4
• Woods/brush fires: 30
• Smoke investigations: 11
• Fire alarms: 42
o Primary: 38
• Medical: 147
• Haz-mat: 5
• Accidents: 76
• Public service: 28
• Cancelled enroute: 76
• TOTAL Calls: 444
In rural communities, automatic aid is the key to expanding our reach, both in personnel and equipment. We are thankful to our automatic aid fire departments that allow us to serve the community in a more expansive manner.
About SHVFD
The primary mission of the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department is to protect the lives and property in our care from fire and disaster. We offer a variety of services to the community, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, and technical rescues, in addition to prevention and education outreach and in-home pre-planning for large residential structures and homes where disabled individuals reside. We are in the process of implementing protocols to become a full scope of practice EMS provider. SHVFD operates out of the Hope Fire District with 38 members covering 100 square miles.