At the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, a formidable team of four captains with a collective 90 years of experience are ushering in the next wave of firefighters. Captains Terence Shumate, Kevin Newell, Denise Petraske, and Michael Cox form the seasoned quartet that according to the City of Charlotte, brings resilience and tradition to one of the nation's most respected fire departments.
As Charlotte Fire's vanguards, these captains have more than just years under their belts. Shumate, who started in February 2005, described the fire service as a calling. "This job is a calling. It is a craft. If you work hard and to seriously put your energy into it, people will take you seriously," Shumate told the City of Charlotte. Cox, a former human resources professional turned firefighter also in February 2005, speaks to the lifestyle it becomes: "We want to come in early, we stay late. It becomes a lifestyle more than a job," he said in a reflection of his two decades with the department.
Newell's dedication spans over a quarter-century, fueled by a lineage of firefighting. He shared his fulfillment in transforming nervous civilians into confident firefighters. Newell said, "The best part is seeing the light bulb come on when they apply what they have learned and realize they are ready." Petraske, who joined the ranks in March 2000 after being inspired by her brother, remains committed at 25 years and counting, seeing Charlotte Fire as "the best organization around."
Their experience serves as the backbone for the Academy's ethos, observed by Division Chief Jeff Richardson. "A lot of times staff positions are filled by new officers. What we have here is an anomaly, four tenured, highly experienced captains who are motivated by the work itself," he affirmed in a testament of their rarity. Each captain imparts unique lessons and inspirations to the recruits, shaping not only the future of Charlotte Fire but also continuing to positively impact the community at large.
Reginald Johnson, Charlotte Fire Chief, recognizes the substantial influence of the captains department-wide. "These four captains represent the very best of Charlotte Fire," Johnson noted. "Their 90 years of combined service have not only protected our city but are now shaping its future."
