Pender County resolves dispute with Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County has resolved its dispute with the Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, according to a news release.

The county filed a lawsuit in October 2023 over alleged performance issues, including equipment and staffing deficiencies.

In the news release, the county expressed appreciation for the many years of service provided by Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department members, noting their contributions saved taxpayer money in constructing the fire station. Officials said no evidence of wrongdoing or fund misappropriation was discovered during the litigation.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the county says fire service in the Shiloh-Columbia area continued uninterrupted, with neighboring fire departments stepping in to provide coverage. Fire departments from Atkinson, Penderlea, Burgaw, and Pender EMS & Fire worked collaboratively to maintain fire response services for the community.

In June 2024, Pender County established a new district that merges the former Shiloh-Columbia and Penderlea fire districts, with Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department officially covering the area since July. The consolidated district now holds an ISO Class 4/9E insurance rating, an improvement over the previous score. The fire station and equipment have been transferred to Penderlea VFD, which has also completed repairs and upgrades at the newly renamed Penderlea Station 31.

Penderlea VFD plans to hold an open house for the community in January. No word yet on the exact date or time.