The Union County Fire Marshal's Office has marked a significant stride in its professional journey, with every team member now boasting a fire inspection certification. In a further demonstration of this commitment to technical proficiency, all primary field investigators are certified as fire investigators, indicating a comprehensive grasp of their craft at the highest standard. Fire Marshal Jon Williams celebrated the occasion, saying, "This achievement is a reflection of the extraordinary dedication and commitment of our entire team." Williams highlighted that these certifications bolster the office's capabilities to "safeguard our community through fire prevention and investigation" in a statement obtained by Union County News.
Several team members also achieved individual milestones. Deputy Fire Marshal John Helms completed the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs’ Executive Development Program, focusing on leadership, community protection, and emergency management. Assistant Fire Marshals Michael Belk and Chad Baucom earned North Carolina Certified Fire Investigator (NC-CFI) status, while Zeb Mullis and Chad Baucom obtained North Carolina Fire Officer III certifications.
According to the Union County website, Administrative Professional Beth Belk earned her North Carolina Fire Inspector Level I certification, expanding her skills to include public education, fire investigations, and inspections. Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland said, “Achieving 100% certification across the team demonstrates how committed this group is to providing excellent service, continuously improving, and ensuring the safety of everyone who lives, works, and visits Union County.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office oversees fire code enforcement, building plan review, and fire investigations. Their 100% certification rate strengthens public education efforts and ensures properly trained fire departments, enhancing safety for all Union County residents, workers, and visitors. More information is available on the Union County website.
