Carrboro Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Carl Freeman is poised to be appointed interim fire chief next month while a recruitment effort is underway to find a permanent replacement for the outgoing fire chief, Town Manager Richard J. White III has announced.
“Deputy Chief Freeman has been employed at the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department for more than 30 years," said Town Manager White. "I am certain that his knowledge and experience will continue to be huge assets to the department and the community during this interim period while he leads the department."
Fire Chief David Schmidt joined the Town of Carrboro in January 2020, a move he made from his home state of Illinois in order to be closer to a family member attending Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. Now, family plans beckon him back to Illinois.
“Chief Schmidt has done a fantastic job as both fire chief and emergency manager for the Town of Carrboro during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Town Manager White said. “I wish Chief Schmidt and his family all the best as they return home.”
Chief Schmidt said his service has been an honor. “It has truly been an honor and privilege to lead such an outstanding group of men and women,” he said. “Day after day I have watched our personnel rise to meet the challenges to continue to provide the highest level of service to our community during the pandemic. They truly carry out the Fire Department’s motto of ‘exceeding expectations.’”
The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department has a proud tradition of service to the community since 1927. The department provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and light technical rescue services. The department also has a comprehensive community risk reduction program to help keep our community safe. With 11 personnel on each shift, the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department staffs two engine companies and one truck company between its two fire stations. The department employs 37 full-time personnel.
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