The Charlotte Fire Department ended its first century as one of the top 25 fire departments in the nation. Firehouse Magazine's Oct. 1985 issue highlighted the Department's performance in decreasing firefighter injuries and per capita cost while increasing services provided. The department was also cited for putting the management responsibility where it belongs, with the Company Officer.

New Innovations
The Department attempts to encourage and foster creativity and innovations to better the services provided to citizens. In 1982, the Smoke Detector Installation Program began.

The Charlotte Board of Realtors provides funding to buy smoke detectors which Fire Department personnel install for residents.   The program has been augmented by a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to buy and install detectors in Community Development target areas. 

Concerned by the number of multifamily residence fires, Chief Blackwelder (1983-1987) proposed that City Council seek the authority to require residential sprinkler systems in new multifamily construction.

Council concurred and submitted a bill to the General Assembly. It passed the house but died in committee in the Senate in July 1987.   However, the issue is still under study by the North Carolina Building Code Council.

People are our most Important Asset
The Fire Department's people are its most important asset. The Fire Department implemented its own version of the Incident Command System in 1984. An Officer's Candidate School was organized in cooperation with Central Piedmont Community College. Since April 1989, OCS has been a requirement for promotion to Captain and above. Beginning in 2003, An Associates Degree in Fire Science will be required for promotion to officer.

Interagency Cooperation
Interagency cooperation is high on the Fire Department's agenda. The fire department works closely with MEDIC at all emergency medical calls. All Charlotte firefighters are now trained to the EMT-Defibrillation level. All fire trucks in Charlotte carry a semi-automatic defibrillator. Use of this device by first arriving fire department personnel has saved numerous heart attack victims. The Department has moved to closer relationships with the Mecklenburg County volunteer fire departments. As required by the North Carolina Annexation law, the Department has contracts with Providence VFD and Steele Creek VFD.

Into the 21st Century
As the Charlotte Fire Department moves into twenty-first century, it operates 37 engine companies, 13 ladder companies, 2 rescue squads, 3 hazardous materials companies, and 2 aircraft aircraft rescue and firefighting companies for a total of . The Department has an authorized strength of 1015 personnel, of which 897 are firefighters in the Operations Division.