West End Rural Fire Department and West End Rescue Squad were founded in the 1950’s initially as a brigade for the Sandhills Furniture Plant before being chartered in 1956. The originial building that housed the station now serves as a gas station and is located at 5461 Hwy 211 and the original bay door locations are still visible. Since that time the department has continued to grow and has formed into what is now West End Fire Rescue. The two departments merged together as one and now have two stations, 24 hour paid staff, 14 apparatus including two rescue boats, multiple fire suppression units, a heavy resuce, and two QRV's. West End Fire Rescue protects a 56 square mile fire district and 100 square miles with EMS, Basic Life Support and Heavy Rescue. West End Fire and Rescue is currently a combination department allowing for Full Time, Part Time, and Volunteer oppurtunities.