Fayetteville Today

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The new City of Fayetteville Fire Chief, Kevin Dove, had his badge officially pinned on April 2 at a Fire Chief Pinning and Transfer of Command ceremony. The ceremony, which took place at Fayetteville City Hall, was attended by various prominent figures including Retired Fayetteville Fire Chief Mike Hill, Mayor Mitch Colvin, and other city officials.

During the ceremony, Mayor Colvin swore in Chief Dove and his official Fire Chief Badge was pinned on by his son. Chief Dove, who has been with the Fayetteville Fire Department since 1999, expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey, stating, “I started my career as a fire fighter nearly 25 years ago. I am living proof that if you work hard, stay the course, and keep your faith, you can one day wear the badge of a fire chief."

Chief Dove also took the opportunity to encourage young individuals to consider a career in public service, emphasizing its nobility. He said, “For all those graduating high school and college, please consider public service. It is one of the most noble paths you can take.”

Looking ahead, Chief Dove outlined his priorities which include fire prevention and fire fighter recruitment and retention. He stressed the importance of fire prevention awareness, stating, “There are several disasters we see every day that could have been prevented. Fire prevention awareness is one of my top priorities and an effort I will continue to push throughout our community.”

Chief Dove, a Fayetteville native, is well-educated in his field, holding a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Fire and Rescue Leadership from Waldorf University, and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Service Management from Fayetteville State University.

The Transfer of Command ceremony not only marked a significant moment in Chief Dove's career but also continued a tradition that dates back centuries within the Fayetteville Fire Department, which was first chartered in 1791.