Salem Fire Chief John Stroup, on right, presents James A. “Flop” Dale Jr. with plaque honoring his 50 years of service.
Morganton, NC – At the Annual Meeting of the Salem Fire & Rescue Department, held on July 21, the Board of Directors President James “Flop” Dale was honored for an incredible 50 years of service to the Salem Fire & Rescue Department.
He was one of the founders of the department and remembers holding the first meetings on the front porch of a local store on Salem Road.
Dale is the only remaining member of the team that started the Salem fire department after the Morganton fire department decided they would no longer provide service to the Salem area. He has served as a Firefighter, Chief, and Board Member.
He also owned and operated Dale’s Garage for 45 years on Salem Road and housed the first fire truck there till they could get a station built.
Dale has a long history of helping members of the community and is known for going out during bad weather with his wrecker to see if anyone needed assistance. He often pulled vehicles out of a ditch with no charge. Just being a good neighbor.
The Salem Fire & Rescue Department decided to surprised him, during what he thought would be a regular meeting, with this special award:
Presented to James A. (Flop) Dale, Jr.
James A. “Flop” Dale Jr. with plaque honoring his 50 years of service.
In honor of and grateful appreciation of 50 years of loyal service to Salem Fire & Rescue as a Fireman, Officer, Chief and President of the Board of Directors.
Therefore let it be known that this is presented with our and the Salem Community’s thanks for your dedication to all of us.
7-21-2020
