North Charlotte Today

Charlotte Fire Department balances tradition and progress to better serve its community. The department, known for its deep-rooted traditions, is also leveraging technology and innovation to meet modern challenges.

Deputy Chief Pete Skeris highlights the fire service's connection to tradition. "When you think about the fire service, especially older departments, there’s a strong connection to the military and immigrant communities," he said. "Tradition is all about respecting what came before us. It’s why we do what we do." Skeris notes that while firefighters respect tradition, they can be resistant to change. "One of the sayings in the fire service is ‘100 years of progress unimpeded by tradition.’ Firefighters don’t always like things to stay the same, but they’re also resistant to change," he adds.

Technological advancements have significantly improved operations at Charlotte Fire. Deputy Chief Jerry Winkles recalls the old days when firehouses operated with static alarms and engineers mapped out calls by hand. Today, dynamic dispatching allows trucks equipped with mobile data computers to provide turn-by-turn instructions based on real-time data. "We can now track the closest unit and dispatch them based on real-time data, which means faster response times," Winkles explains.

The department has also shifted focus towards mental health. Deputy Chief Bo Fitzgerald notes that historically, mental wellness was overlooked in the fire service. However, recognizing the impact of stress and PTSD, Charlotte Fire now has an in-house behavioral health specialist and a peer support team made up of fellow firefighters. "Some of the toughest, most stoic firefighters I know have had struggles," Fitzgerald shares.

Fire Chief Reginald Johnson emphasizes balancing tradition with progress under his leadership. "Tradition is what grounds us, but progress is what keeps us relevant and able to serve our community better," he said. His vision includes ensuring that innovation and tradition coexist within the department.

Charlotte Fire continues to evolve through initiatives like dynamic dispatching, mobile data technology integration, mental wellness programs, and clear communication about changes. These efforts aim to protect both firefighters and the community effectively.