Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | Wikipedia
Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | Wikipedia
The Charlotte Fire Department has inaugurated Battalion 9, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to improving emergency response and service for the city's expanding population. This development aims to enhance response times and service quality as Charlotte continues to grow.
Battalion 9 is led by Chiefs Timothy Brown, Thomas Clymer, and Jonah Smith. Each brings distinct leadership qualities and a shared dedication to public service. Chief Brown emphasizes servant leadership, stating, “When I prioritize the well-being and success of my team, they excel and rise to any challenge.” He left a corporate career seeking greater purpose through firefighting.
Chief Clymer looks forward to the battalion's impact on community safety, noting that it will improve response times in high-demand areas like uptown Charlotte. “It’s all about ensuring we can provide the best possible outcomes for our citizens during emergencies,” he said.
Chief Smith has experience launching new units and is eager to establish a strong culture within Battalion 9. “This will be the second time I’ve had the opportunity to help open a new unit for Charlotte Fire,” he shared.
The creation of Battalion 9 is part of an initiative to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for emergency response times. Supported by new firehouses at Station 43, Station 45, and others, this battalion is strategically positioned to improve service delivery citywide.
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson expressed enthusiasm for this launch: “The creation of Battalion 9 marks a pivotal moment for Charlotte Fire,” he stated. He praised Chiefs Brown, Clymer, and Smith for their roles in shaping the department's future.
Currently, average travel times for Battalion Chiefs exceed NFPA goals by 21%. With Battalion 9 operational, response times are expected to improve slightly while reducing workload significantly in busy areas.
Charlotte residents can expect more efficient emergency services with this addition as the department continues its tradition of innovation and dedication.
Alerts Sign-up