It’s a story that reflects the community. That’s how N.C. Senator Don Davis described the memorialization of Salamander Fire Company firefighter Edward Peed, both in the response of the Washington community when he died in 1902 and the continued remembrance in the many years since.
Davis was one was several elected officials who gathered Saturday at Washington’s Fire Station No. 1 to honor Peed in yearly event organized by the Human Relations Council. Peed is the first recorded North Carolina firefighter to die in the line of duty.
Washington Mayor Mac Hodges told the story of Feb. 8, 1902 — the day an Atlantic Coastline freight warehouse caught fire on the Washington waterfront. The all-black Salamander brigade was one of several that responded to the fire threatening the entire town, but it was later that night, after the fire was contained, that a wall would crumble, killing Peed instantly. His death was event that broke color lines and brought an entire community together to honor the 20-year firefighting veteran’s service.
Saturday, Davis invoked John 15:13, to describe the work of Peed, and all firefighters: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
“Clearly, firefighters are a special breed of people who truly understand what it means to do God’s work,” Davis said. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do, day in and day out.”
Davis said his belief is that Washington’s annual event is the best way to demonstrate true friendship: by coming together as one community. Many first responders from inside and outside of the county attended the memorial service, which culminated in a gathering around Peed’s memorial outside the fire station, and a performance of taps and “Amazing Grace” by members of Greenville Public Safety Pipes and Drums.