06/14/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 14, 2026
Joint Statement from Skull Camp Fire & Rescue, Bannertown Fire Department, and Franklin Fire
Department
The leadership of Skull Camp Fire & Rescue, Bannertown Fire Department, and Franklin Fire Department met with Surry County leadership yesterday to discuss the proposed contracts and address the concernsand issues identified within those agreements.
The meeting was extremely productive, positive, and conducted in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Through open dialogue and a shared commitment to serving the citizens of our communities, all issues presented by the three departments were successfully resolved.
As a result of the negotiations and the resolutions reached regarding our concerns, which provide greater
security and stability for our departments and the citizens we proudly serve, the Boards of Directors for Skull Camp Fire & Rescue, Bannertown Fire Department, and Franklin Fire Department have each voted
to approve and sign the contracts.
The departments would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to incoming Commissioners Brandon Whitaker and Frank Fleming, current Commissioners Van Tucker and Eddie Harris, and County Attorney Howard Jones for their willingness to listen, their understanding of the concerns presented, and their commitment to working collaboratively toward a positive resolution. Their leadership and
dedication to finding common ground made this successful outcome possible.
Due to the successful resolution of all outstanding matters, the leadership and members of Skull Camp Fire & Rescue, Bannertown Fire Department, and Franklin Fire Department have no reason to be present at the Surry County Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday, June 15.
Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the citizens, supporters, and communities we
proudly serve. The overwhelming support, encouragement, and trust shown to our departments
throughout this process has been truly appreciated. This experience has demonstrated that when
communities, public servants, and local leaders come together with a common purpose, we can
accomplish great things.
We remain committed to providing the highest level of emergency services, protection, and care to the
residents of Surry County and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with county leadership
and the communities we serve.
Skull Camp Fire Department
Bannertown Fire Department
Franklin Fire Departm