North Lenoir Fire & Rescue Chief Brian Wade has been selected as the 2016 Volunteer Fire Chief of The Year by the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs, a division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The award was conceived to recognize truly outstanding Fire Chiefs whose actions and leadership in their profession, home, community and country, serve as an example and challenge for all other Chief fire executives throughout the southeast, and is the most prestigious honor the SEAFC can bestow upon a Chief officer. Wade was selected for his leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole.
“Chief Wade is a shining example of a great leader in the fire service. His dedication and commitment to our department, our community, our state and the fire service as a whole serves as a model to other leaders in our field,” said Chris Decker, NLFR Public Information Officer. “He clearly recognizes the impact that the fire service has had on his life and career, and he has been aggressive and unselfish in giving back to others, both professionally and in his personal life.”
Brian has served as the Chief of North Lenoir Fire & Rescue since 2010, and has been a member of the department since 1996. Chief Wade also began working with Wilson Fire & Rescue Services in 2003 where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant before leaving to take a position with the NC Office of State Fire Marshal in 2013. Wade was named North Carolina Volunteer Chief of the Year in February by the NC Association of Fire Chiefs.
“Every Chief hopes to leave a legacy of their leadership. Our department and our community can rest assured that Chief Wade’s many contributions to our organization will extend well into the future,” said NLFR President George Smith, III. “The fire service desperately needs more leaders like Chief Wade, and we are thoroughly pleased that he has been recognized for his service.”
NLFR Chief Brian Wade expressed his appreciation for receiving this honor. “I’m very humbled and honored to be considered for this award among such an excellent pool of my peers in the fire service,” Brian said. “I am thankful for my family that allows me the time to do what I love and for the support of my North Lenoir Fire & Rescue family. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an exceptional group of community servants. I am also thankful to my Dad for always being a wonderful role model for me.”
The SEAFC is a division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs serving 10 states. The organization’s mission is to provide leadership to career and volunteer fire service leaders, managers of emergency services organizations, and persons interested in saving life, protecting property, mitigating, and responding to all hazards that threaten the well-being of our neighbors throughout the southeastern region of the Association through vision, information, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.