CHAPEL HILL – The Chapel Hill Fire Department has named retired fire captain, Doug Kelly, as its interim fire marshal.

Public information officer, Lisa Edwards says Kelly served in the Chapel Hill Fire Department for more than 25 years and will serve as the interim fire marshal for the next 60-90 days. She says the department hopes to be able to fill the permanent position by then.

“We had an open recruitment, and we saw some pretty good candidates,” Edwards says. “We want to make sure we get the best fit for our department and our community, because that position interacts with the community so much.”

The fire marshal is responsible for the life safety division of the fire department—one which Chapel Hill has been working short on staff.

Matt Lawrence moved from the fire marshal position to Deputy Chief of Operations. Deputy Fire Marshal Dace Bergen has served as the interim fire marshal since January.

“The plan was he would just serve as interim until we found a permanent replacement,” Edwards says.

The Chapel Hill Fire Department operates from five fire stations around the town and staffs nearly 100 employees. Its budget is upwards of $7 million, and it’s responsible for protecting more than $7 billion worth of property—of which nearly $5 billion belongs to UNC.

Related Stories
‹
Victim Identified in Chapel Hill House Fire; Investigation Into Cause Still Ongoing
The Chapel Hill Fire Department said one person died in a house fire on the corner of Redbud Lane and Honeysuckle Road Monday morning.
Chapel Hill Fire Chief Discusses His Decision to Retire
When asked about any plans he has for retirement, Chapel Hill Fire Department chief Matt Sullivan has no shortage of ideas. “I want to learn how to bake bread, I think,” he says with a grin. “There’s a book in me that has been wanting to be written for a long time. I’ve had this […]
All Clear Issued for Potential Suspicious Package in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill authorities have issued an “all clear” for a potential suspicious package near University Place in Chapel Hill. Fire department crews were dispatched shortly before 9 a.m. and set up a perimeter around the recycling center behind a BP gas station. .@ChapelHillFD on scene at University Place taping off area around recycling center. Crews […]
Chapel Hill Police Warn About Scammers Asking for Donations
The Town of Chapel Hill is warning about scam callers asking for donations for the Chapel Hill Police and Fire Departments. These scams were brought to the town’s attention after a member of the Chapel Hill Fire Department recently received one of these calls. Community Safety communications specialist for Chapel Hill Ran Northam says that […]
Chapel Hill Fire Department Able to Provide New Life-Saving Services
The Chapel Hill Fire Department is now certified to deliver Emergency Medical Technician services to patients in the field. The certification is a culmination of nearly two years of preparation and training through a partnership with Orange County Emergency Services. Captain Jake Sinkiewicz, who was instrumental in making this change, has already seen the added […]
Police Headquarters Property Review Finds Pollutants
Stancil says.
Celebration of Independence Day to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what typical services will and won’t be happening during the weekend: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday, July 3, as […]
Drone Shows and Parades: Here's What to Know Before Orange County's July 4 Celebrations
A variety of July 4 festivities are set to take place across Orange County. Here's how local governments are celebrating.
Chapel Hill Man Wins $200,000 Lottery Prize on Scratch-Off Ticket
Kevin Valdez of Chapel Hill won the top prize of $200,000 on a $5 scratch-off ticket, the North Carolina Education Lottery said in a release Wednesday. Valdez bought his lucky ticket for the Cash King game from the Short Stop convenience store on West Main Street in Carrboro. He arrived at lottery headquarters in Raleigh […]
The Morning News: Severe Drought, Severe Heat, and a State Budget
In today's news: OWASA officials urge Chapel Hill-Carrboro residents to think about water usage, amidst a major summer drought.
›