Charlotte Fire Welcomes Battalion 9: A New Era of Growth and Service
Published on January 06, 2025
The leadership team of Battalion 9 stands united, ready to guide Charlotte Fire’s newest battalion into a new era of service and innovation. Their combined expertise and dedication reflect the strength and future of the department.
By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire
With the launch of Battalion 9 on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the Charlotte Fire has entered a transformative new chapter, strengthening its commitment to exceptional service and rapid response for the city’s growing community. This new battalion reflects the department’s commitment to enhancing response times and providing exceptional service to Charlotte’s rapidly growing community.
Battalion 9's vehicle set against the backdrop of Uptown Charlotte, a testament to readiness and growth.
Leading the charge are three seasoned and dedicated Battalion Chiefs: Timothy Brown, Thomas Clymer, and Jonah Smith, who each bring unique leadership qualities and a shared passion for public service. The establishment of Battalion 9 is not just a logistical adjustment; it’s a testament to Charlotte Fire’s innovative approach to meeting the increasing demands of its citizens.
A Team-Oriented Approach to Leadership
Chief Timothy Brown describes his leadership philosophy as rooted in servant leadership. “When I prioritize the well-being and success of my team, they excel and rise to any challenge,” Brown explained. “My focus is on making sure they have everything they need to do the job and do it well. Firefighters make life-and-death decisions every day, and they need to know their leaders trust and support them. That’s how you build confidence and teamwork.”
Battalion Chief Timothy Brown emphasizes servant leadership as he prepares to lead Battalion 9 into a new era for Charlotte Fire.
Chief Brown’s path to firefighting began after a stint in corporate America. “I realized that financial success alone didn’t provide the sense of purpose I was seeking. I wanted to do something that made a real difference. At the end of my life, I want to look back and know I helped people. That’s why I’m here.”
Enhancing Community Safety
Chief Thomas Clymer is eager to see the direct impact Battalion 9 will have on community safety. “Adding a new battalion improves response times and balances workloads,” he said. “For high-demand areas like uptown and the east and northeast sides of Charlotte, this means faster, more efficient service. It’s all about ensuring we can provide the best possible outcomes for our citizens during emergencies.”
Battalion Chief Tommy Clymer highlights the importance of teamwork and rapid response as Battalion 9 takes shape.
For Chief Clymer, firefighting is deeply personal. “I joined Charlotte Fire because of the sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It was something I cherished growing up and found myself missing after college. Being part of a dedicated team united by a shared mission to serve the community is both fulfilling and inspiring.”
Innovation and Legacy
Chief Jonah Smith brings a unique perspective, having been involved in launching new units before. “This will be the second time I’ve had the opportunity to help open a new unit for Charlotte Fire,” Smith shared. “I’m excited to build a new culture in Battalion 9 and support the citizens with improved command structure and response times.”
Battalion Chief Jonah Smith brings extensive experience and a passion for mentoring as part of the newly formed Battalion 9 team.
Smith’s enthusiasm for firefighting is grounded in a love for the craft. “Firefighting is a rare and rewarding craft,” he said. “It combines physical challenges, mental problem-solving, and a deep sense of purpose. One of the most fulfilling aspects is mentoring and helping others grow in their roles, ensuring the craft thrives in future generations.”
A Strategic Addition
The creation of Battalion 9 is part of a broader initiative to address Charlotte’s growth and meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standards for emergency response times. Supported by new firehouses at Station 43, Station 45, and the upcoming River District, as well as Ladder 20 at Station 20 on Nations Ford Road and Engine 46 at Miranda Road, Battalion 9 is strategically positioned to enhance service delivery across the city.
Battalion 9 command vehicle parked proudly in front of Charlotte Fire headquarters, symbolizing a commitment to innovation and service.
Currently, Charlotte Fire’s Battalion Chief travel times average 9:40—21% above the NFPA’s eight-minute goal. With Battalion 9 in place, response times are expected to improve by approximately 11 seconds, and workload for Battalion Chiefs could see an estimated decrease of 18%, particularly benefiting high-demand areas like uptown.
Fire Chief’s Vision
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the launch. “The creation of Battalion 9 marks a pivotal moment for Charlotte Fire,” Johnson said. “It’s about more than just numbers; it’s about people. This battalion strengthens our ability to serve effectively, respond quickly, and support our community as it grows. I’m incredibly proud of Chiefs Brown, Clymer, and Smith for stepping into these leadership roles and shaping the future of Charlotte Fire.”
Chief Johnson added, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement. We’re not just meeting the needs of today but also planning for the Charlotte of tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
With the launch of Battalion 9, Charlotte Fire takes another bold step forward, blending innovation, tradition, and unwavering dedication to public service. The city’s residents can rest assured that, no matter the emergency, Charlotte Fire will be there—stronger and more prepared than ever.
A close-up view of Battalion 9's command vehicle, reflecting the precision and pride of Charlotte Fire's newest battalion.