Sheldon Fire District was organized in 1977 by order of the Beaufort County Council in response to the need for fire protection in the northernmost parts of Beaufort County. It was organized as a volunteer fire department and the members of the community faithfully served as volunteers. In 1989, the Fire District hired Walter "Buddy" Jones as Fire Chief.
Today the Sheldon Fire District is a combination department with 2 stations, 14 career firefighters, 1 part time and 22 volunteers. The District is comprised of approximately 6,000 citizens and 120 square miles of area.