Hickory Fire Department: Year in Review

Have you ever wondered about the number of calls the Hickory Fire Department responds to in a year? In 2023, Hickory firefighters responded to 7,274 calls for service.  These calls are broken down into four categories: Medical, Fires, Rescue, and Hazmat.

Fire Chief Matt Hutchinson stated, “2023 was a busy year for Hickory firefighters. The department responded to 4,469 medical calls, which was 61% of our responses.  Firefighters also responded to 1,564 (22%) fire-related incidents, 1,046 (14%) rescue-related calls, and 195 (3%) Hazmat incidents. I am extremely proud of our personnel and the work they do regularly to protect the residents while covering 32.07 square miles that the city encompasses and the rural district.” 

Chief Hutchinson continued, “As well as emergency responses, Hickory firefighters also logged 29,887 training hours. Fire inspectors conducted 3,887 inspections and corrected over 2,612 safety issues. Also, during 2023, 435 safety presentations were conducted, 221 smoke alarms were installed, and 111 car seats were checked. All these efforts are designed to keep residents safe. As a result of the community’s ownership of a fire-safe community and the efforts of our department, partners, and community agencies, the City of Hickory had zero fire-related fatalities in 2023, an accomplishment for our community and something we should all celebrate."

"In 2023, we were faced with many challenges and successes, all met with professionalism and fortitude. These annual statistics reflect the efforts, professionalism, and daily dedication of the men and women of the Hickory Fire Department. Our staff serves the community by providing the highest quality and most responsive emergency services to the Hickory area and surrounding communities. We are honored to have the support of Council and City Management, yet our success hinges on the dedication and hard work of every firefighter who wears their badge with pride every day," he added.

Highlights for 2023:

• Created a program to identify and develop existing and future leadership and development.
• Utilized the Public Safety Training Center to enhance training programs to educate and certify personnel on multi-hazard service delivery that maintains the ISO Class 1.
• Completed the self-assessment process centered on implementing the community-driven 5-year strategic plan, the community risk assessment, and standards of cover. In early 2024, we will obtain international accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
• Utilized a decommissioned aircraft to conduct multi-company training to enhance the department's Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) program.
• Worked closely with the City Information Technology office to implement significant phone, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity updates.
• Partnered with Hickory Public Library to implement a Book Walk with Fire Safety program. 
• Obtained funding through Catawba County to purchase water rescue equipment.

A yearly summary is necessary to reflect on successes of the Hickory Fire Department and bring awareness to what the department can improve while striving toward excellence. The Hickory Fire Department will continue to lead by example every day with genuine compassion for the community while meeting the daily demands and providing the highest level of professional services.