Weaverville – Recently, Weaverville Battalion Chief Michael Hunter was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief at the Weaverville Fire Department. The promotion is seen as a significant development for the Weaverville Fire Department. The promotion promises to bring valuable benefits to the department and the community it serves. The promotion represents a strategic move to enhance the department’s capabilities, its alignment with the town’s vision, and its response to the growing needs of the community.
Weaverville Fire Chief Scottie Harris underscores the significance of this internal promotion. “It’s an asset here,” he says, emphasizing that promoting from within brings a historical perspective that can be invaluable. “Not only does it give us a historical perspective of someone from inside the organization,” explains Harris. “It’s always great when we can promote from within, but also, as our visions align on moving the department forward, it gives us that opportunity for growth and development, especially as the town grows. That is an instrumental piece of the puzzle coming back to our staff here” as the department continues to evolve.
Deputy Fire Chief Hunter’s journey toward this leadership position is marked by a lifelong dedication to the field of firefighting. Hailing from just across the county line in Madison, he began volunteering with the Marshall Fire Department at the tender age of 16. Prior to his firefighting career, he worked as a conductor with the Northfork Southern Railroad. His commitment to serving the community also led him to become a volunteer with the Reems Creek Fire Department before embarking on his paid firefighting career with the Weaverville Fire Department in 2007.
When asked about his motivation for entering the firefighting profession, Hunter reveals a deep sense of community responsibility. “I guess seeing a need in the community,” he reflects. At the time, “it [Marshall] was a volunteer department back then. If someone in the community didn’t do the job, the job didn’t get done,” which served as a driving force for Hunter.
Now, more than two decades after his initial volunteer work and 16 years since joining the Weaverville Fire Department as a paid firefighter, Hunter’s hard work and dedication have helped him work his way up the ladder to his promotion to Deputy Chief. His journey up the ranks saw him take on roles as captain in 2009 and battalion chief in 2017, showcasing his continuous commitment to personal and professional growth.
In his new capacity as Deputy Fire Chief, Hunter’s responsibilities transcend shift management, extending department-wide. He will collaborate closely with Chief Harris to shape the department’s vision and its alignment with the town’s overarching goals and the expectations of the community. This expanded role is a testament to his leadership capabilities and his commitment to propelling the organization forward.
A noteworthy change that comes with his new role is the shift to a Monday through Friday work schedule, providing stability that his children greatly appreciate.
Reflecting on his promotion, Hunter modestly attributes his selection to the overall excellence of the team at Weaverville Fire Department. “We have a group of really good guys here,” he acknowledges, emphasizing the strength of the collective effort.
Chief Harris, however, offers insights into why Hunter was chosen for this critical position, citing his recent completion of multiple advanced certifications, including fire officer three and fire officer four, within the last year. More than his qualifications, Harris commends Hunter’s leadership style, qualities, and the pivotal role he played in fostering teamwork among the battalion chiefs, a key component in advancing the department’s mission.
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Hunter’s journey from a young volunteer to a leader within the Weaverville Fire Department exemplifies a profound commitment to the well-being and safety of the community. His new role promises to shape the department’s future and its ability to meet the evolving needs of Weaverville, a testament to his dedication and the department’s vision for continued progress and service.