On Tuesday, Oct. 29 High Point City Manager Tasha Logan Ford announced the name of the city’s new fire chief: current Interim Fire Chief Brian Evans.
His job as chief is effective immediately.
This continues a long-standing tradition of the City of Greensboro, Guilford County government and the City of High Point selecting new leaders from their own ranks rather than hiring outsiders.
Logan Ford explained the decision
“Chief Evans demonstrated his ability to be a thoughtful leader as part of the assessment process and has a genuine passion for the fire service,” she said in a public statement that accompanied the announcement. “With 29 years of service with the High Point Fire Department, he believes in the department’s values and has been open to continual growth. Brian continues to be committed to both the City organization and the broader High Point community.”
Evans said he’s really looking forward to the opportunity of leading the department on a permanent basis.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve this great city as its next fire chief,” Evans said on Tuesday. “I also want to thank the city manager and her team for their faith and trust in me, as well as my family for their untiring support and encouragement throughout my career. And to the men and women of High Point Fire Department, it’s your commitment to excellence and service to those in need that inspires me each day to serve the firefighters and this community as the 10th fire chief.”
Fire Chief Evans began his career with the High Point Fire Department nearly three decades ago – in 1995 – at first, as a firefighter.
Over the years, he moved up the ladder and, eventually was chosen to serve as captain, then battalion chief, then assistant chief and then deputy fire chief.
He was recently named to the job of Interim Fire Chief. Evans has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Service Technology degree from Guilford Technical Community College and has worked with the International Association of Fire Chiefs – which City of High Point officials state “illustrates his commitment to staying abreast of industry trends, best practices and principles to public safety.”
He’s worked in numerous firefighting roles and has achieved certification as a Weapons of Mass Destruction Hazardous Material Specialist.
Also, Evans served as a strike team leader for FEMA during the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when he led a team of 18 firefighters.
According to the statement put out by the City of High Point, “Chief Evans has played a crucial role in shaping the department’s operations, budget, recruitment and emergency response strategies. His leadership has been vital in enhancing the department’s capabilities and ensuring the highest level of service to residents.”
He and his wife Ann Evans have three children, all under the age of 12.
Finally, the HP City Manager makes a good decision. I guess the citizens should get ONE good decision for the $28,000 raise she received this year.
Damn! You mean they promoted a professional on merit? Good for Evans! You may want to send the manager, mayor & council in for physicals to make sure they’re alright over there. I’m sure it was a real struggle to come up with some common sense.