Jessica Ross from Gaston County EMS earned the "Chief Training Officer" title from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, joining 322 CTOs globally.

Hickory Police Department promoted Jeff Young to Deputy Chief and Justin Levey to Captain, acknowledging their service and dedication to the community. Both are former Marines with extensive law enforcement experience and education.

Rick Beasley, Assistant City Manager for Hickory, announced his retirement after eight years in the role, marking the conclusion of a significant tenure in the city government.

Mecklenburg County hires Dr. Virginia Covill and Christopher Rivera to focus on workforce development and upward mobility, aiming to align strategies with employer needs and support residents' economic improvement.

The Charlotte City Council began 2026 with new members and committees focused on housing, transportation, and other city challenges, offering updates through #MeetingMinutes on Facebook.

Huntersville firefighters were honored for saving lives during two separate house fires in 2025, earning them Company Citations and the Fire Chief Medal of Valor.

Union County residents may see smoke from a controlled burn at the local landfill for vegetation management, with safety measures in place and operations continuing as normal.

The Charlotte Fire Department reported responding to 126,079 emergencies in 2025, highlighting their critical role in public safety amid the city's growth.

The Charlotte Fire Department emphasizes the importance of training firefighters to navigate congested city streets with large apparatus, ensuring both their safety and the community's.

Chaplain Michael Taylor was honored by the Rowan County Board of Commissioners for over 30 years of service, including initiating the Shield-A-Badge program.

Rowan County has announced a grant application season for organizations helping at-risk youth and those involved in juvenile justice for 2026-2027, with a 30% local match required.

The Huntersville Fire Department posted their annual call statistics, revealing 6,930 calls and 7,448 apparatus dispatches with Station #1 being the busiest. The data reflects the department's workload and dedication.

Battalion Chief Nick Reed retired from the Hickory Fire Department after 30 years of service, leaving a legacy of firefighting excellence and leadership.