More than half continue to serve with the department today

Friday, March 23 marks the 20-year anniversary of the hiring of Forsyth County’s first full-time, career firefighters. The move toward what is now a progressive and modern fire department got its origins in the hiring of those original 30 firefighters in the spring of 1998. 

“The groundwork of our Fire Department was laid by the countless volunteer firefighters who organized the department in 1972,” said Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “The addition of 30 highly motivated, 'career' firefighters in 1998, however, certainly raised the bar relative to rapid, efficient emergency services expected by our citizens."

Of the original 30 hired, whose group nickname was the ‘Dirty Thirty’, 16 remain with the department today. Many have taken on various leadership ranks within the organization and have played a role in the department’s growth and success. Those continuing to serve with the department today are:

Lieutenant Zack Bazzle

Lieutenant Mark Davis

Sergeant Glen Everett

Firefighter/EMT Hal Fischer

Lieutenant Brian Gary

Battalion Chief Doug Gibson

Lieutenant David Green

Lieutenant Nathan Head

Firefighter/EMT Bob Kaley

Lieutenant Bill Logan

Firefighter II Larry Mitro

Lieutenant William Raines

Lieutenant Michael Sheuring

Division Chief Jason Shivers

Firefighter II Chris Smith

Battalion Chief Justin Suggs

“This is a huge milestone for the department,” said Division Chief Jason Shivers, a member of that original group of 30. “To have been a part of starting the professional era of the Forsyth County Fire Department is a true honor. The progress of the department over the past 20 years and the enhancements to the services we provide to the citizens are really remarkable.  We are all so very proud to continue our service to the citizens and visitors of Forsyth County and to be the foundation that generations of firefighters to come will be built upon.”

Today, the department consists of 159 field personnel.