DONALD'S FIRE HAVEN MUSEUM

Chad Garrett/Fire Chief, Proudly Serving the Community since 1952

David Cranfill, Board President 12-2-2020

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The Pleasant Garden Fire Department is in need of raising money for the construction of a 40×80 building to house Donald’s Fire Haven Museum donated by Donald and Ethel Whitaker. Estimated price is close to $ 200,000.00 dollars.

The building will be located on our property 4814 Pleasant Garden Road. Once completed the museum will be open to the public. A lot of you know Donald and his involvement in the Fire Service in North Carolina and have been to his museum. Donald recently requested that I oversee this project and what an honor this is for me. Donald has been a mentor to me for 30 years now and I know I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now without his guidance.

This year Donald has been diagnosed with the lung cancer and bone cancer and his health has declined. Donald wants to make sure his collection stays in Pleasant Garden and that it stays together. 

Donald and his wife Ethel, built the museum on their property and it opened to the public in 2003. He started his collection over 50 years ago and he is still collecting.

The museum is dedicated to the preservation and education of the rich history of the firefighting service, fire prevention, education and fire safety. This collection includes many items from foreign countries Donald has visited.

Donald E. Whitaker has held many titles throughout his tenure:

Current Board of Directors member, Pleasant Garden Fire Department

Administration Chief, Climax Fire Department

Treasurer, NC Association of Fire Chief’s

Past President, NC State Firemen’s Association

Past President, Piedmont NC Firemen’s Association
Past President, Guilford County Fire Chief’s Association
Past President, Randolph County Fire Chief’s Association
Past Chief, Level Cross Fire Department
Past Chief, Pleasant Garden Fire Department

You can google Donald’s Fire Haven Museum and see some of his collection online.