Gaston Rural Fire District

"Small town guy gets dream job.”

That's how Gaston Fire's new career firefighter, Randy Hoodenpyl, sums up his life.

It all sounds so simple, but there's much more to the story.

Randy's roots run deep in Gaston. “I went to all of the Gaston schools and graduated from Gaston High in 2005, just as my father did in the 1976 and grandfather before him in 1951.”

Chief Roger Mesenbrink presents Gary Carr, left, with a plaque honoring his service

For Gary Carr, a high school job at a gas station naturally evolved into 25 years on the Gaston Rural Fire District, a term that ended at the June meeting.

If you live in Gaston, it all makes sense.

It's tough to know who to trust when you need a babysitter.

Unless you you hire one of the 13 graduates of this year's Gaston Fire/Red Cross Babysitting class.

To earn their certificates, these students spent a beautiful Saturday in some serious classes with instructor Susan Neblitt.

Motor vehicle accident, Highway 47 near Goodin Creek Road, May 3, 2009.

Gaston Fire has a rich, nearly 100-year history of serving our community.

We are collecting photographs and stories of that proud history.

Here's some of what we have collected so far.

These are just a few of the dedicated people of Gaston Fire. Click here for a complete list.

Note: The "When I'm in Charge" class scheduled for June 14 has been postponed indefinitely.

Children can learn how to stay safe and handle problems when they are home alone through a class at Gaston Fire.

Open to Gaston-area residents 8 to 11 years old, the course is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Gaston Fire station, 102 E. Main St.

There is a $10 enrollment fee.

Click here to enroll your child today.

Young people hoping to make some money this summer can earn their Red Cross Babysitting certificate through Gaston Fire.

Click here to sign up today!

Open to Gaston-area residents 11 and older, the course is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Gaston Fire station, 102 E. Main St.

Every Monday is Drill Night for the volunteers of Gaston Fire.

Motor vehicle accident, Laurelwood Road near Lambert Drive, April 20, 2009.