In October 2023, Pender County filed a lawsuit against the Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., to protect public safety in the Shiloh-Columbia fire district. This action came after the County reviewed years of deficiencies in performance by the Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, including failure to have available properly working fire apparatus and properly trained and certified staff. The lawsuit claimed a breach of contract. 

Pender County has resolved its dispute with the Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department to the mutual satisfaction of the County and the Department. The County thanks many of the people who have been involved in Shiloh-Columbia Volunteer Fire Department over the decades for their service to the County. Their dedication saved the taxpayers a considerable amount of money in construction of the fire station. The County found no evidence of wrongdoing or misappropriation of funds during this litigation. 

Fire service for the citizens in the Shiloh-Columbia community has never ceased. Multiple local fire departments worked together to provide fire coverage for the district since litigation began including Atkinson Fire Department, Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department, Burgaw Fire Department, and Pender EMS & Fire. A new district was formed, combining the former Shiloh-Columbia Fire District and the Penderlea Fire District in June 2024. Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department has provided coverage in that district since July. The insurance rating for the entire district is an ISO Class 4/9E, which is an improvement upon the former rating. The fire station and equipment have been turned over to Penderlea VFD for the purpose of providing fire service to the district. Many repairs and improvements have been made to the fire station, now called Penderlea Station 31, and Penderlea Fire Department plans to hold an open house in January. 

Pender County greatly appreciates the dedication of all its first responders, both past and present. All agencies within the county work together to ensure the citizens of Pender County are protected.