About Us

Hugo Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, Inc. is an organization located in northern Lenoir County, North Carolina that was established in 1980.  The members of this department are all volunteers. We serve the community in the areas of fire, extrication, specialized rescue, hazmat operations, and medical first response.  The primary response district is approximately 56 square miles.  This area is made up of rural, residential, commercial areas and houses 4600 residents.  Hugo Fire and Rescue provides mutual aid to two neighboring volunteer districts, as well as Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue, and the Kinston Regional Jetport.  The department also provides aerial assistance to other districts per request.  

Hugo Fire and Rescue operates out of four stations with four front-line engines, two pumper/tankers, one tanker, one aerial platform, one heavy rescue, one brush truck, one EMS/quick response unit, one rescue boat, one tactical rescue trailer, and one wilderness rescue trailer. Five trucks are equipped with hydraulic extrication tools to allow for quick extrication response throughout the district. Stations One and Three house airbags and extrication jacks. Each front-line engine is equipped with RIT bags and thermal imaging cameras. In addition, there are gas monitoring devices at Station One and Station Three. The Specialized Rescue Team is fortunate to have the necessary tools and training to provide high angle, confined space, water rescue, trench rescue, and land search. In 2017, Hugo improved its rescue standard to Heavy Rescue through NCAREMS. This is the highest standard among rescue responders.  

The districts served by Hugo Fire and Rescue have an insurance classification of 3/9E.  This rating is a reflection of the department itself, the county communications call center, and the water system within the fire district.  Homeowners within the districts served by Hugo who are within 5 miles of any of the four rated stations are assigned the 3 classification.  Properties located outside the 5 mile boundary receive a 9 rating.  This classification is effective in April 2027. Currently, Hugo Fire and Rescue is led by 14 officers.  Chief Greg Johnson is backed by a deputy chief, two assistant chiefs, five captains, four lieutenants, and one safety officer.  There are 53 active members on the roster who complete at least 50 training hours per year.  In addition, the department hosts a Junior Firefighter training program that includes 10 members.  The organization is also led by the Board of Directors.