Staff Directory | City of Wilmington, NC (2023)

View the current City of Wilmington Fire Department Organizational Chart.

Administration staff conducts the day-to-day activities of the Fire Department, interacting with the public, city departments, other governmental agencies and the media. In addition to preparing and administering the annual budget, the administration is also responsible for managing the city’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection rating, as well as its international accreditation status through the commission on Fire Accreditation International. Included in Administration is the Logistics Division, which is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of all capital assets for the department. This includes all fire stations, firefighting apparatus and equipment, department vehicles and technology assets.

Administrative offices are located at:
801 Market Street
Wilmington NC 28401
Phone: (910) 341-7846

Jon S. “Steve” Mason began his fire service career in 1987 as a volunteer member of the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department. He served three years with Wrightsville Beach, most of which as an intern, while attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In September of 1990, he began his service with the Wilmington Fire Department. Chief Mason has subsequently held every position in the Operations Division, including Chief of Operations and his previous position which was the Shift Commander for A Shift. Chief Mason has also served as a training officer and the department safety officer.

Chief Mason holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia Southern University, as well as a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Parks and Recreation Management from UNCW, and an Associate's of Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s four-year Executive Fire Officer (EFOP) Program.

Chief Mason served on the department’s Hazardous Materials Response and Technical Rescue/USAR teams for over twenty years. He was awarded “Firefighter of the Year” in 1989, received two Life Saving Awards, and was most recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award. He was appointed Interim Fire Chief in September 2021.

Phone: (910) 343-4784

ChiefMickler currently resides in Wilmington with his wife, Rebecca, and their two sons.

Phone: (910) 343-3900

Andrew Holter is the Administrative Services Manager for the Wilmington Fire Department. He began his career with the City of Wilmington in November 2021. Andrew brings with him 17 years of varied experiences in the fire service, including extensive work as a fire inspector and a specialist working on standards with the National Fire Protection Association. Most recently, Andrew served as a Captain in the Laflin Fire Department and as a paramedic for several agencies in Northeast Pennsylvania. Over the past six years, Andrew worked as a consultant helping local, state, and federal governments in code enforcement, planning, fire protection, grant writing, and emergency services.

Andrew earned his AS in fire protection technology from Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, PA. His BS in fire science and his MPA from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts. Andrew is a certified paramedic, fire officer, fire instructor, fire inspector, pump operator, aerial operator, and hazardous materials technician. He also holds a certification from the Society for Human Resource Management as a certified HR professional and is currently completing his Ph.D. in organizational psychology from Capella University.

Andrew and his wife Elyse keep busy with their daughter by enjoying all Wilmington offers.

Phone: (910) 772-4169

Rebekah Thurston is the Public Information Officer for the Wilmington Fire Department. She started her career with the City in July of 2020. Previously, Rebekah worked for Greenville Fire/Rescue as the Fire & Life Safety Educator and Public Information Officer for nearly five years. Before that, she was a television news reporter for ABC and FOX affiliates in North Carolina and Illinois. Rebekah grew up in the Midwest and received her Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communications and Theater from North Central College in Naperville, IL. Rebekah is passionate about serving her communityand promoting the awesome first responders at WFD.

Rebekah enjoys the creative challenge of video production and innovative branding and marketing strategies. Previously, she created a educational music video that took first place in the national Close Before You Doze campaign, sat in on a national re-write of NFPA curriculum, and taught courses on social media and news media management at conferences in NC and NY.

When Rebekah isn't working, she enjoys exploring new adventures and spending time with her family and friends.

Phone: (910) 343-4787
Email: rebekah.thurston@wilmingtonnc.gov

Deborah Montgomery serves as the Administrative Support Specialist for the Wilmington Fire Department. Deborah began her career with the City in October 2017 in the Planning and Zoning Department. In July 2018, she assumed her role within the Fire Department and provides administrative support to the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Assistant Chiefs of Operations and Support Services.

Deborah previously worked for a large healthcare system in Northcentral Pennsylvania where she provided administrative support to the Vice President of a 200-member physician group, as well as recruited physicians to that group.

Along with spending time with her family, Deborah loves the vibrancy of Wilmington and exploring all the many activities, restaurants, and waterways it has to offer.

Phone: (910) 343-3946

Tom Robinson is currently assigned as Assistant Chief of Support Services with the Wilmington Fire Department, overseeing the department's Fire Marshal's Office, Training Division, Safety Division and Logistics. Chief Robinson started his career in November 1989 and served as firefighter, driver operator, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief, before being promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations in January 2017. As Assistant Chief of Operations, he served as Shift Commander on B shift and oversaw the Technical Rescue Team and USAR Task Force 11 for the state of North Carolina.

Chief Robinson holds a Bachelor degree in Occupational Health and Safety with a Concentration in Fire Science Technology from Columbia Southern University. He is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success also through Columbia Southern University. He attended The Academy for Strategic Management through UNCW and several leadership courses through the National Fire Academy.

Chief Robinson is a member of the department’s hazardous materials team achieving N.C. Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is a certified Highway Emergency Response Specialist and Railway Specialist. He is also a member of the departments Technical Rescue team. Chief Robinson is certified as a Fire Instructor Level 3 by Office of State Fire Marshal. He currently serves as a member of a Critical Incident Stress Management group through New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Chief Robinson also serves as Academy Coordinator for Cape Fear Community College First Responder Academy and is also a certified instructor in their Fire Program. As an instructor he teaches fire, hazardous materials, terrorism, and Incident Command courses. He is an active member of the Cape Fear Chordsmen.

Phone: (910) 343-3939

Phil Bothwell is a Captain with the Wilmington Fire Department who oversees Logistics. Captain Bothwell started his career with the fire department in 1987 and served as a firefighter, driver operator, lieutenant and captain for 28 years on the operations side of the department. For the past two years he has been working in logistics. These duties include serving on the Fire Apparatus Specification Committee and Wilmington Fire Department Branding Committee. In this position, he provides all firefighting personnel with the proper protective equipment, uniform distribution, purchasing of firefighting tools and equipment as needed, as well as all station supplies.

Captain Bothwell was part of a team that evaluated and made changes to the initial North Carolina Hazardous Materials Technician level training curriculum in 1988. That curriculum has been updated throughout the years to keep up with changing conditions but the basics are still applicable today. As a member of the department’s Hazmat Team, he achieved North Carolina Hazardous Materials Technician Levels 1, 2 and 3. He was certified as a Tank/Rail Car Specialist by the Transportation Emergency Response Training Center from Pueblo, Colorado. He completed Live Agent COBRA and WMD training in Anniston, Alabama. After 9-11, Captain Bothwell attended a certification class at New Mexico Tech, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings Training Course and received his awareness Level Instructors certification. Captain Bothwell is a North Carolina certified Fire Instructor Level 2.

Phil is married to his wife of 34 years, Dorice. He has two sons, Adam from Wilmington and Eric and his wife Natasha from Florida. He also has two grandchildren, Atticus age 10 and Braylie Reese age 1.

Phone: (910) 343-3931

Heather Miller is the Human Resources Technician for the Wilmington Fire Department. Heather began working for the City of Wilmington in September of 2015, where she was the Human Resource Technician over Benefits and made her transition to the Fire Department in April, 2016. Heather started her Human Resources career at the Wilmington Treatment Center where she was the Human Resources Coordinator.

Ms. Miller obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Columbia Southern University and holds an Associate’s Degree in General Education and an Associate’s Degree in the Arts from Cape Fear Community College.

Phone: (910) 772-4131

Scott Rivenbark is the Project and Budget Analyst for the Wilmington Fire Department. Scott began his career with Wilmington on March 29, 1999 and has served as a Firefighter, Engineer, and Master Firefighter before being promoted to Captain in October of 2015. In April of 2018, Captain Rivenbark suffered an off-duty injury, leaving him paralyzed from waist down. In December of 2018, Scott accepted the EMS Coordinator position and maintained all EMS certificates, policies and procedures as well as providing training on EMS related topics. During the organizational restructuring of the department in the winter of 2020, Scott was selected to be the department’s Project and Budget Analyst.

Scott holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology from Cape Fear Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Leadership for Fire and EMS Strategies.

Scott is a N.C Fire Instructor Level 2, EMS Level 1 Instructor, AHA Faculty Instructor, Tractor Drawn Arial Instructor and a certified Peer Assessor Level 1 by The Commission for Fire Accreditation International.

Phone: (910) 765-7460

Jeff Clift is the Senior Data Analyst for the Wilmington Fire Department. Jeff started his career with the city in 2017. As the data analyst for the department, he analyzes various data sources including Computer Aided Dispatch and Firehouse. He uses this and various GIS data sources to assist in attaining and maintaining various fire department certifications and help facilitate speedy and efficient utilization of the department’s resources.

Jeff moved to the Wilmington area in 1993 where he attended UNCW and received a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating, he worked for 16 years in the private sector writing GIS and OMS software for rural electric power co-ops.

Jeff Clift holds a B.S. in Computer Science from University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a B.S. in Industrial Training and Development from the State University of New York at Oswego. He is a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon Society for Computing and Information Disciplines.

Phone: (910) 765-0486

Donna Helms is the Fiscal Support Specialistfor the fire department. She and her family moved to Leland, NC from West Virginia in September of 2012. Before moving, she was employed with the Summers County Clerk’s Office as a Deputy Clerk for 14 years. Donna and her family moved to North Carolina to be closer to their youngest daughter Kaley. She also has an older daughter, Savanna, who made the move with them.

While working for the fire department, Donna was able to complete and obtain her Associates Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. She is also a member of the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Administrative Professionals Organization (NCFRAP).

Phone: (910) 772-4127

David Hines is the Accreditation Manager for the Wilmington Fire Department. Battalion Chief Hines started his career in July 1984, and served as firefighter, driver operator, lieutenant and captain before being promoted to battalion chief in January 2005. As Battalion Chief, he served as Special Operations Coordinator for four years and has served as Accreditation Manager and Public Information Officer for the past 8 years. He served two years in the Fire Marshal’s Office in 1990 and 1991 as an Inspector/ Investigator/ Fire Educator.

Chief Hines holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Fire Science Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College. He is a graduate of The National Fire Academy in Fire Inspection Principles, The Emergency Management Institute in Advanced Public Information Officer, The North Carolina Fire College in Fire Officer Training Program and The North Carolina Justice Academy in Arson Investigation. Chief Hines received Firefighter of the Year Award in 2001 and The Chief’s Cross Award in 2017.

Chief Hines was a charter member of the department’s hazardous materials team, achieving N.C. Hazardous Materials Technician Levels 1, 2, and 3. He was certified a Highway Emergency Response Specialist by the Association of American Railroads. He is a N.C Fire Instructor Level 2 and a certified Peer Assessor Level 1 by The Commission for Fire Accreditation International.

Phone: (910) 343-4782

Chuck Styes is an Administrative Support Specialist with the Wilmington Fire Department. Chuck started his career in 1973 and advanced through the ranks from firefighter, engineer, lieutenant, captain, and finally battalion chief. He retired in 2009 after thirty five years of service and returned in a part-time capacity to assist with quality control and records management.

During his years as a firefighter, Chuck was a certified EMT-I. He was a member of the WFD Dive Team. Chuck completed the NC Fire College Officer Program and completed courses in arson investigation and advanced arson investigation at the NC Criminal Justice Academy.

Chuck was one of the original officers to develop the WFD Hazardous Materials Team and was certified as a technician. He also completed courses conducted by the Association of American Railroads, the US Department of Transportation’s Technology Center and Hazardous Waste Operations. As a battalion chief, he was involved in the development of the WFD Marine Firefighting Program.

Phone: (910) 343-3915

Jonathan “JJ” Norwood is currently assigned as the A Shift Battalion Chief in District 1. Chief Norwood started his career with the department on January 5, 1998, after beginning his service as a volunteer for the former Winter Park Volunteer Fire Station. Throughout his career, he has served as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, and his current position of Battalion Chief.

Chief Norwood holds a Bachelor of Science in Management & Organizational Development from the former Mt. Olive College, currently Mt. Olive University. He will continue to further is education by enrolling in the National Fire Academy’s Effective Communication Skills for Fire and EMS.

Greg Fix is the Battalion Chief over Safety, Health & Wellness with the Wilmington Fire Department. Chief Fix is a 25-year veteran of the fire service and has risen through the ranks since joining Wilmington Fire Department in 2000. Prior to joining Wilmington Fire Department, Greg spent 7 years in the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department, leaving as Shift Supervisor. During his career, he has served on multiple special teams, worked as a sworn Fire Inspector, and developed a passion for teaching fire and rescue classes for our department, as well as, statewide conferences and seminars.

Battalion Chief Fix holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Old Dominion University. He has also completed the National Fire Academy Leadership Series and the National Fire Academy Managing Company Tactical Operations curriculum.

Chief Fix has been a member of the Dive Rescue Team for 17 years and a member of the Technical Rescue Team for 16 years. He is currently serving as an active member of NC USAR Task Force 11. He is a NC Level II Instructor and acts as a lead instructor at NC Breathing Equipment School, NC Thermal Imaging School, NC Rapid Intervention School, NC Fire Officer Leadership Academy, and the South Atlantic Fire and Rescue Conference. In addition, Chief Fix holds certifications as Fire Officer II, Level III Fire Inspector, and ACE PEER Fitness Trainer.

Phone: (910) 343-3933

Michael Browning is a 25-year veteran of the fire service, beginning in 1996 as a volunteer at Navassa Fire Department. While volunteering, he earned an Associates of Applied Science in Forest Management Technology from Southeastern Community College. He then received his EMT Certification and worked his way to Chief of the Navassa Volunteer Rescue Squad. In 2001, he was hired by the Wilmington Fire Department and has filled the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, Master Firefighter and Captain. He is currently assigned as Battalion Chief over District 1 on BShift.

Chief Browning is a member of the departments Technical Rescue Team, Water Rescue Team, and the North Carolina Urban Search and Rescue Team (NC TF-11). His passion for the Marine Division led to him quickly becoming a shift Dive Team supervisor and Marine 1 (50ft firefighting vessel) operations instructor. He additionally earned a USCG Masters License and was offered a direct entry opportunity into the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. In 2010 he completed basic training at Cape May, NJ, and then completed an additional four months of training in Yorktown, VA, becoming a Machinery Technician. In 2015 he was accepted and completed Officer Candidate School at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and currently serves as a Lieutenant for Base Charleston as the Senior Reserve Officer.

Chief Browning holds multiple certifications including: Advanced Firefighter (NCSFA), NC Level II Instructor (Technical Rescue qualification), Emergency Medical Technician, Incident Safety Officer, Rescue Diver, Marine Fire Fighting and additionally holds a National Incident Management System ICS Type 3 Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) and Operations Section Chief (OSC3) qualification.

When he is not on duty Chief Browning can be found spending time on the water with his wife and three daughters, and their family labradoodle “Maverick”.

Jason Koplin currently serves as the Battalion Chief on B Shift in District 2 for the Wilmington Fire Department. He began his fire service career in 2001 with Conway (SC) Fire-Rescue. He has been a member of the Wilmington Fire Department since 2002 where he has risen steadily through the ranks.

Captain Koplin holds an Associate degree in Emergency Preparedness Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Western Carolina University. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps.

A member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team and NC Task Force-11 SAR Team, he was also a founding member of the collaborative WFD/WPD tactical medic program. Captain Koplin has certifications as a NC Level II Instructor, Incident Safety Officer, EMT-B, Fire Officer II, and SAR Tech II.

Patrick D. Campbell is an Operations Battalion Chief with the Wilmington Fire Department. Battalion Chief Campbell started his career with the Wrightsville Beach Volunteer Fire Department in 1989, where he served as an intern and firefighter. He was hired by the Hickory Fire Department in western North Carolina, in August of 1993, and subsequently by the Wilmington Fire Department in August of 1995.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is also a graduate of the Academy for Strategic Management through the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Master of Public Administration.

As a member of the department, he has served as a Firefighter, an Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain before being promoted to Battalion Chief in September of 2012. He served as Chief Officer of the Training Division for three years, until moving to operations in the fall of 2015. Chief Campbell has been a member of both the Hazardous Materials team and the Technical Rescue team. He is a fire service instructor Level II through the Office of State Fire Marshal. His most recent accomplishment was being certified as a Blue Card Instructor where he serves as one of the first four Blue Card Incident Management Instructors for the department.

Tim Brock is currently assigned as the Operational Battalion Chief over District 2 on C Shift. He started his career with the Wilmington Fire Department on March 2, 1998, and was promoted to Engineer on September 2003, and then Captain in September 2012. Prior to his current position, he served as a Shift Safety Officer for approximately six years.

Chief Brock holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Kaiser University. He has been a member of the WFD Technical Rescue Team and NC USAR Task Force 11 since 2000. Chief Brock is also a National Fire Academy Safety Instructor, as well as the recipient of the prestigious STARS Safety Award for his outstanding contributions and commitment to keeping this department safe.

Chief Brock has been married to his wife, Angelia, for 39 years, and together they have two children and three grandchildren.

John Stephenson is the Battalion Chief of Special Operations of the Wilmington Fire Department. Chief Stephenson is a 21-year veteran of the fire service, having served as a Fire Specialist II with the City of New Bern Fire Department, and 19 years with the City of Wilmington Fire Department including the ranks of Firefighter, Engineer, and Captain. He is a National Incident Safety Officer, Fire Officer II, Qualified Fire Service Instructor, and a Hazardous Materials Technician.

Chief Stephenson’s passion within the fire service is Hazardous Materials Response. He is a member of the Department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, and a member of the North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team 2. He has Hazardous Materials Specialist Certifications in Highway Emergency Response and Railway Emergency Response, and has served as the on-shift Hazardous Materials Response Leader for the past five years. He is also actively involved with Hazardous Materials Response on a state-wide level, having served as the Secretary and President of the North Carolina Association of Hazardous Materials Responders, as well as representing the Department and Hazardous Materials Association on the North Carolina Regional Response Team’s Technical Advisory Group and Technical Advisory Committee.

Chief Stephenson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Barton College, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Preparedness Technology from Coastal Carolina Community College. He is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Donald Burns is currently the Assistant Chief of Training & Safety. Chief Burns started his career in November of 2005 as a firefighter. He was promoted to Master Firefighter in in 2012 and Captain in 2016. He is a member of the Water Rescue Team. He has also served in the Wilmington Fire Department’s Training Division as a Training Captain. Chief Burns is the current treasurer of the WFD Firefighters Foundation and serves as the secretary for the New Hanover County Firefighters Association.

Chief Burns holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Administration and a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. He is also a graduate of the Managing Fire Officer program through the National Fire Academy and holds the Fire Officer Designation from Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Chief Burns is a North Carolina Level II Instructor with Qualifications in Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer I, Incident Safety Officer, Live Burn, and Blue Card Command Training. He teaches for the WFD Fire Academy, CFCC Fire Academy, and the CFCC Weekend Fire Conferences. In addition, Chief Burns is also an Assessor Level II by The Commission for Fire Accreditation International and a Fire Officer Designation Evaluator for the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

Phone: (910) 772-4125

Chris Stenerson is currently assigned as the Battalion Chief over Safety, Health, and Wellness.

Phone: (910) 343-4784

Robb Trout is a Master Firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department. Master Firefighter Trout began his career with the WFD in March of 1999 as a firefighter and was promoted to Master Firefighter in January of 2014. He currently serves in the Training Division and is responsible for facilitating training activities for department personnel and the recruit academy.

Master Firefighter Trout began volunteering as a firefighter at the age of 17 at the Hugh Gassner Fire Company, #25 in South Spring Valley, NY where he worked through the ranks to serve as Chief. He also served his community as a volunteer for an additional three years at Brewer Fire Engine Company # 1 in Monsey, New York prior to moving to Wilmington to accept a position to become a firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department.

Master Firefighter Robb Trout has served with honor as a member of the honor guard, Chairman of the Promotional Committee, as well as a member of the Branding and Hiring Committees. He was awarded the Chief’s Cross in the fall of 2016, and was the recipient of a Life Saving Award.

Master Firefighter Robb Trout is also a member of the hazardous materials team, achieving NC Hazardous Materials Technician. He is also a current member of the North Carolina Haz-Mat Regional Response Team-RRT-2.

Phone: (910) 341-1025

Colin Simpson is a Captain with the Wilmington Fire Department and is currently assigned to as the Safety Captain on C Shift.Captain Simpson is a 25-year veteran of the fire service, having served as a Lieutenant with Spencer Fire Department, Fire Control Specialist II with the City of Salisbury Fire Department, and 19 years with the City of Wilmington Fire Department including the ranks of Firefighter, Master Firefighter, and Captain.He is a National Incident Safety Officer, Fire Officer II, Qualified Fire Service Instructor, Hazardous Materials Responder I Instructor, Air Monitoring and Sampling for Hazardous Materials Certified, Mission Specific PPE Instructor, and a Hazardous Materials Technician.

Captain Simpson’s passion within the fire service is Hazardous Materials Response.He is a member of the Department’s International Association of Firefighters and a member of the North Carolina Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team 2.

Captain Simpson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Captain Simpson’s hobbies include working on projects for his children and grandchildren. He is father to a son and daughter, a proud uncle of a niece and a nephew, and grandpa to 5 granddaughters and a grandson.

Phone: (910) 343-3949

Ryan Young is currently assigned as the Safety Captain for B Shift. Captain Young is originally from Carolina Beach. He was hired on at the Wilmington Fire Department in June 1995.

Captain Young has an Associate's Degree in Fire Protection from Coastal Carolina Community College. He is a Level II Fire Officer, Qualified Live Fire Instructor, Qualified Shipboard Firefighter Instructor, and OSHA General Industry Credentialed.

Captain Young is a member of our Marine Dive Rescue/Recovery Team and is one of our operators for the Fire Boat, Marine 1. He has a 100-ton Master License, Unlimited Radar Endorsement, and a Marine Radio Operator License.

Phone: (910) 343-3949

Christopher Chadwick is currently assigned as the Safety Captain over C Shift. Captain Chadwick started his career in December 2001 and has served as a Firefighter and Engineer/Master Firefighter before being promoted to Captain in February 2015.

Captain Chadwick holds an associate degree in Fire Science from Keiser University. He is a member of the Station Design Committee. Captain Chadwick also served on the Apparatus Spec Committee and on the board for the Firefighters Foundation, as well. He also served as the Local 129’s treasurer for six years.

Captain Chadwick is originally from Wilmington and has been married for 32 years to the same woman. They have one child, Hunter.

Kendra Fordon is the Administrative Support Specialist in the Safety and Training Division. Kendra began working with the Wilmington Fire Department on June 2, 2014. Prior to joining the Fire Department, she served as a Deputy Clerk for three years with the New Hanover County Clerk of Courts.

Currently she is a member of the Hiring and Awards Committees and has also served on the Diversity and Promotional Committees.

Kendra has spent her life between Wilmington and Orlando, Florida. Before moving back to Wilmington in 2006 to be closer to family, Kendra attended Seminole State College in Sanford, FL pursuing a degree in Office Management.

Phone: (910) 341-7845

The Office of the Fire Marshal conducts all fire and life safety code enforcement activities through building plans examination in addition to on-site fire inspections. Fire inspectors are trained and certified through national certification processes to determine code violations and to offer violation remedies. Fire Inspectors follow state code and local ordinances to ensure that public buildings are safe for occupancy, and in the event of an emergency, occupants can safely escape.

The mission of the Fire & Life Safety Division is to provide a fire safe community for citizens and visitors. To accomplish this, the Fire & Life Safety Division has an aggressive, proactive fire prevention program, targeting areas where the public is at increased risk during a fire event. We offer assistance with emergency planning, conducting fire drills, and fire extinguisher training.

The fire department also offers assistance with smoke alarms. If you need help testing an alarm, changing the battery, installing or replacing an alarm, call or email to schedule a time with a fire department representative.

The Office of the Fire Marshal’s Office is located at:
230 Government Center Dr.
Suite 150
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 343-0696

Chris Walker is a Battalion Chief and the current Fire Marshal for the City of Wilmington. Chief Walker began his career in the Wilmington Fire Department in 2000 and his career path took him from Firefighter, Driver Operator, Training Officer and Captain in Operations before being promoted to the Battalion Chief of Community Risk Reduction in July of 2016. Chief Walker was assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office and sworn in as the Fire Marshal in December of 2016, and promoted to Assistant Chief in 2022.

Chief Walker holds a B.A. in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Also, he is a graduate of the National Fire Academy in Leadership Strategies of Community Risk Reduction and holds certifications in Surface Water Rescue, General Level II Instructor, FDSOA Safety Officer, Fire Officer I & II, Fire Inspector Level II/Probationary Level III, and is a Qualified Firefighter I & II Instructor. Chief Walker received the Firefighter of the Year Award in 2008.

During his time with the department, Chief Walker has been a member of the Dive/Water Rescue Team, served in the Mentoring Program, served as President and Vice President of the Wilmington Firefighters Foundation, Assistant Public Information Officer and was a founding member of the Wilmington Fire Department Honor Guard in 2008. Additionally, Chief Walker served as a Technical Advisor and Instructor for Vision 20/20, and was a founding member of the CRR Week executive committee.

Phone: (910) 343-3918

Chris Elrod is a career fire professional whose work ranges from firefighter, to fire investigator, to County Fire Marshal. He is currently a Captain in the Fire Marshal’s Office. Captain Elrod started his career as a volunteer in several different fire departments, both in North Carolina as well as other locals. Captain Elrod served as Chief Fire Marshal of New Hanover County and was the first fire marshal of the county. While serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Wrightsville Beach Fire Department, Captain Elrod was a fire and explosion investigator utilized by the insurance industry.

Mr. Elrod holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology with a special emphasis in arson investigation. He is a graduate from the National Fire Academy in Fire Structures and Systems. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina Justice Academy as well as the North Carolina Professional Training Institute in Arson and Fire Investigation Technician. He is also a graduate of the North Carolina State Fire Prevention School.

Captain Elrod is an active member of the North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Association and is part of the planning committee for the annual North Carolina Fire Prevention School. He is also president of the North Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson investigators in which he serves on the training committee and is on the board of directors.

Captain Elrod is a Certified Fire Inspector III, Firefighter II, Fire Service Instructor II, Education Methodology Instructor. He is also certified instructor for fire inspector certification as continuing education. He is a certified fire investigator through the NC Office of State Fire Marshal, He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators in which is a Certified Fire Investigator as well as a Certified Fire Investigation Instructor. He has been utilized as a subject matter expert for the North Carolina Fire Investigation Technician curriculum. He has served as a fire expert to outside organizations and investigations with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Phone: (910) 343-3917

Robert Bentfield is a Master Firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department. He started his career in the fire service in March of 1998 and served as a Firefighter and Driver Operator until January 2013. Master Firefighter Bentfield was then assigned to the Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office where he serves as a Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator.

Master Firefighter Bentfield is currently pursuing his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of The National Fire Academy in the following subjects: Fire Inspection Principles, Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation, Fire Investigation: Forensic Evidence and Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Plans Review. Robert also received the Wilmington Fire Department Life Saving Award in 2013.

Master Firefighter Bentfield is a Certified N.C. Fire Inspector Level II, N.C. Fire Instructor Level II and obtained his Fire Officer Level II. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and also obtained his Fire Investigation Technician (FIT).

Phone: (910) 343-4767

Wendy Giannini-King is the Risk Reduction Coordinator with the Wilmington Fire Department, where her goal is to reduce fire & life safety risks and increase preparedness and knowledge of safe practices in the city. Wendy began her work with the Wilmington Fire Department in 2010, as the department's Public Educator. She was promoted to her current position in December 2016.

Prior to coming to work at WFD, Wendy was an elementary school teacher in her home town of Virginia, as well as, in North Carolina. She also spent time working in the fields of marketing and human resources.

Wendy holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, with a special endorsement in Curriculum Differentiation from North Carolina Central University. She is a certified Youth Fire Setter Intervention Specialist and a Level III Fire & Life Safety Educator.

Phone: (910) 342-2731

Steven Coleman currently serves as a Fire Code Official/Investigator/Master Firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office. Steven began his career in November 2000 as a firefighter until being promoted to the rank of Master Firefighter in 2015. Steven was later transferred to the Fire Marshal’s Office in June of 2019.

Steven is currently working on an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Coastal Carolina Community College. Master Firefighter Coleman is a certified North Carolina Fire Inspector Level 1. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators. (IAAI).

James Merritt is a native of Wilmington and currently serves as a Fire Code Official/Investigator/Master Firefighter with the Wilmington Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office. James began his career with the Wilmington Fire Department in 2003 and served as Firefighter/EMT-B until being promoted to Master Firefighter in 2013. He began working in the Fire Marshal's Office in 2014.

James is a graduate of The National Fire Academy in Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation, Forensic Evidence Collection, and Electrical Systems. He holds his North Carolina Fire Inspector Level I certification and his Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) certification.

James is an active member of the North Carolina Insurance Crime Information Exchange (NCICIE) and the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). He is a charter member of the Wilmington Fire Department's Honor Guard and previously served as a member of their Water Rescue/Recovery Team. He is actively involved with StreetSafe, a NC non-profit, as an instructor who teaches lifesaving driving techniques and is an active member/volunteer of LifePoint Church.

Phone: (910) 343-4766

Ronnie E. Brinkley is the Maintenance Supervisor with the Wilmington Fire Department. He began his career with the department in 2007 and has more than 35 years of experience working on various types of vehicles.

He grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and is a graduate of Madison High School. After high school, Ronnie attended Asheville Buncombe Tech College, where he graduated from their Diesel Engines and Hydraulic Systems program. He was hired by a Detroit diesel and Allison transmission distributor and worked there for more than 23 years. He was the Service Manager for the Wilmington office for 16 years.

Since his employment with the Wilmington Fire Department began, Ronnie has received his EVT certifications in maintenance, inspection and testing of fire apparatus, fire pumps and accessories, fire apparatus electrical systems, aerial fire apparatus and Allison transmissions.

Phone: (910) 343-3943

Daryl Stahl is a Master Emergency Vehicle Technician with the Wilmington Fire Department. He began his career with the fire department in January 2008 and has enjoyed working on various types of vehicles for more than 25 years.

Daryl grew up in Wilmington and is graduate of Hoggard High School. Through-out his career in the automotive industry, Daryl has received his Master level ASE Certification in Medium/Heavy Trucks.

Since being employed with the Wilmington Fire Department, Daryl has received his Level 1, Level 2 and Master level 3 EVT Certifications. This includes Maintenance, Inspection and Testing, Design and Performance Standards, Fire Pumps and Accessories, Fire Apparatus Electrical Systems, Aerial Fire Apparatus and Allison Automatic Transmissions.

Phone: (910) 343-3943