Will Potter named Carrboro fire chief

GOVERNMENT

By Carl Blankenship
Editor

CARRBORO — Longtime firefighter Chris Potter has been named chief of the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department.

The town announced Potter’s appointment Tuesday. Potter has spent the past 16 years with the department and was recently appointed interim fire department.

Potter holds a long list of fire, EMS and emergency management certifications and holds positions on boards and committees in the firefighting field.

“After a national search process, I am excited to have Will lead our talented team at the fire department,” Carrboro Town Manager Richard White said in a press release. “From his very first visit to a firehouse at the age of five, Chief Potter knew that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers by becoming a firefighter. From that time, he has continued to build lasting relationships within the community and with our emergency response partners.”

Potter began participating in the service’s ride along program in 2001, at which point he decided he wanted to spend his career there with the dream of becoming chief one day. He stayed involved and completed his Eagle Scout project with the department by adding reflective bands to fire hydrants throughout the town.

“This is truly a dream come true,” Potter said in the release. “The last fire chief that came up through the ranks in Carrboro was Chief Jake Hardee in 1973, so this means a lot for our department and our community.”

The department currently employs 37 people out of its two fire stations.