ADR Fire Rescue: Decades of Service Highlighted During Mutual Aid Response in Bladen County

Bladen County, NC — A recent confined space emergency in Bladen County brought regional responders together, underscoring both the seriousness of such incidents and the long-standing commitment of Acme‑Delco‑Riegelwood Fire Rescue (ADR) to serving communities across county lines.

ADR and the Columbus County Rope Rescue Team were requested to assist Bladen County crews during the incident, providing backup support and standby rescue capability should conditions worsen. Responding personnel included Lt. Wayne Taggett, FF Chris Russ, FF Cassie Grass, FF Caleb Darbee, Deputy Chief Tom Benson, and Chief Camlin, along with International Paper Chief Tommy Justice. All units returned to district service by 1:45 p.m.

Leaders emphasized the importance of training, teamwork, and faith during high‑risk operations, asking the community to keep workers, families, and responders in their thoughts and prayers.

The response comes as ADR reflects on more than six decades of growth and service. The department’s origins date back to 1960, when a tragic accident led local volunteers to form the area’s first rescue squad. In 1969, the late John Riegel, founder of Riegel Paper, expanded the effort by constructing a fire station on John Riegel Road and purchasing a 1960 International/Central pumper to protect both the Sanitary District and the paper mill. That original two‑bay building now forms the foundation of ADR’s modern nine‑bay headquarters.

The organization formally became Acme‑Delco‑Riegelwood Fire‑Rescue in 1963 and was incorporated in 1973. Continued growth followed, with a second station opening on Livingston Chapel Road in Delco in 2009 and a third station built on Woodyard Road in the Town of Sandyfield in 2011.

Today, ADR Fire Rescue stands as a testament to community dedication, regional cooperation, and a mission that extends far beyond district boundaries. Whether responding to emergencies at home or supporting neighboring counties, the department remains committed to answering the call — wherever it comes from.