A Legacy of Tradition and Progress: Charlotte Fire’s Journey Forward

Published on September 23, 2024

These leaders embody the balance of honoring fire service traditions while embracing innovation and progress, ensuring the department moves forward while staying true to the values that have defined Charlotte Fire for generations. (left to right) Deputy Chief Bo Fitzgerald, Fire Chief Reginald Johnson, Deputy Chief Jerry Winkles, and Deputy Chief Pete Skeris of the Charlotte Fire Department Command Staff).

By Kevin Campbell

Charlotte Fire stands as a symbol of history, where deep-rooted traditions define its culture and inspire the firefighters who serve. However, the department is also a forward-thinking force, leveraging technology and innovation to meet modern challenges. Balancing this rich legacy with progress, Charlotte Fire has become a department that honors its past while adapting to the future. This delicate balance is driven by leaders who understand the importance of tradition but also recognize the necessity of advancing in order to better serve their firefighters and the community.

Honoring Tradition with Purpose

Deputy Chief Pete Skeris explains the fire service’s deep 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." The Maltese cross, for example, is a symbol rooted in ancient history, representing courage and sacrifice.

Skeris acknowledges that while firefighters respect tradition, they are often 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 notes with a smile. Yet, communicating the "why" behind these changes helps firefighters embrace new technology without feeling they are abandoning the values that have shaped the department. "We’re moving forward because it allows you to do your job more efficiently and protects you better. It’s still tied to tradition, but it’s smarter and safer."

Embracing New Technology to Improve Response

The technological advancements in the fire service have been remarkable. Deputy Chief Jerry Winkles vividly remembers the "old days" when firehouses operated with static alarms, meaning each station was responsible for calls in its designated area—no matter how far away they were. "We used to rely on static address systems and engineers mapping out calls by hand," Winkles recalls. "Engineers would memorize street blocks and use paper run cards to navigate." This system, while effective in its time, was cumbersome and time-consuming, especially as the city of Charlotte grew and the street network became more complex.

Fast forward to today, and the department’s shift to dynamic dispatching has transformed how quickly firefighters can respond to emergencies. Now, trucks are equipped with mobile data computers that provide turn-by-turn instructions, similar to what people see on their smartphones. "We can now track the closest unit and dispatch them based on real-time data, which means faster response times," Winkles explains. "We’ve also moved from centerline data, which guided us to the middle of the street, to the Master Address List, where we now get directions straight to the specific building."

Winkles adds, "Everything we do is about time. We are constantly looking for ways to cut down on response time because the quicker we get on scene, the better the outcome." This evolution, from paper maps to dynamic GPS systems, demonstrates just how far the department has come, dramatically improving both response times and safety for the firefighters and the community.

A New Focus on Mental Health and Wellness

While technology continues to transform operations, Charlotte Fire is also prioritizing another critical area: mental health. Deputy Chief Bo Fitzgerald, who has led this charge, explains how the fire service historically paid little attention to mental wellness. "For many years, it was kind of swept under the rug," he admits. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that firefighters needed resources to cope with the stress, anxiety, and PTSD that come with the job. "We recognized the issue and wanted to address it," Fitzgerald said.

Today, Charlotte Fire has an in-house behavioral health specialist and a peer support team made up of fellow firefighters. These internal resources are critical, as many firefighters are more comfortable opening up to someone who understands the challenges of the fire service. "Some of the toughest, most stoic firefighters I know have had struggles," Fitzgerald shares. "It’s about providing options and letting them know it’s okay to ask for help. We can’t force anyone, but we’ve made sure the resources are there."

Leadership That Honors the Past and Welcomes the Future

At the helm of this balance between tradition and progress is Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. His leadership has guided the department through these changes while maintaining respect for its deep-rooted traditions. "Tradition is what grounds us, but progress is what keeps us relevant and able to serve our community better," Chief Johnson said. His vision for the future is one where innovation and tradition coexist, ensuring that the department is prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. "We can respect the lessons of the past while pushing forward with new ideas and solutions. It’s how we honor our history while preparing for what’s to come."

Chief Johnson’s commitment to advancing the department while upholding its core values is evident in the strides Charlotte Fire has made in both technology and wellness. "Our job isn’t just to uphold the values of the past—it’s to ensure that we’re taking care of our firefighters and the community in the best way possible," he said. His leadership reflects a deep understanding that moving forward does not mean leaving tradition behind; it means using it as a foundation to build a better future.

In this balance of tradition and progress, Charlotte Fire continues to evolve. The department's embrace of dynamic dispatching, mobile data technology, mental wellness initiatives, and a focus on the "why" behind change ensures that both firefighters and the community are better protected for years to come.