Salem Chapel Volunteer Fire Department & The Forsyth County Fire and Rescue Association, Inc.

The Salem Chapel Volunteer Fire Department had two main entrances on either side of the building. Only one of the two doors had a keyless lock on it — back in 1988, they installed a Simplex mechanical pushbutton lock on the right-side door. Kaba Simplex locks provide one code for all users, and Salem Chapel employed the same initial, common code for ten years. Everybody who came here knew the code for the station; it never varied. Recently, after a few members left the department, they decided to change the code; it was at that point that the lock stopped working.

Established in 1956 by volunteer fire departments, the Forsyth County Fire and Rescue Association, Inc. coordinates the efforts of its 22 members, including the Salem Chapel Volunteer Fire Department. The association establishes, maintains, and standardizes county-wide fire protection programs, projects, procedures, and training curriculums. It has working subcommittees that support specific interests such as training, standard operating procedures, and events. With the unity and support of the association, departments improve efficiencies, emergency responders enhance their safety, and citizens receive first-rate service. The Salem Chapel Volunteer Fire Department is a paid station from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; volunteers pick up the remaining time that is not covered by paid employees. The station houses a rescue and squad truck as well as a pumper and tanker truck and handles on average 290-370 calls for service each year.