Chapel Hill Fire Chief Vencelin Harris, Jr. announced Monday that Chris Wells, formerly the Town of Chapel Hill’s Assistant Fire Marshal, would be promoted to the Fire Marshal position, effective immediately. Wells has been with the Chapel Hill Fire Department since February 2019, and was previously the Fire Marshal for Morrisville, N.C.

“Assistant Chief Wells’ exemplary knowledge of the Fire Code and his understanding of our community make him the perfect person to take on these important duties,” Harris said. “This critical piece of community safety is in steady hands under his leadership.”

Among other things, fire marshals enforce compliance with fire codes and conduct investigations into local fires. Wells will also oversee risk reduction and fire safety programs throughout Chapel Hill. According to a release from the Town of Chapel Hill, making the fire department a great place to work is a top priority for Wells.

“I’m excited to support my team and build partnerships that make Chapel Hill even safer for the people we serve,” he said. “I’m also committed to the safety of our firefighters who answer the call.”

Wells is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Iraq. He began his career as a firefighter in 2003 in Burlington, N.C.

 

Featured image via Town of Chapel Hill

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