Meet Your Fire Chief, Ben Ormond

» Read Chief Ormond's 2022 Annual Report (PDF)

Fire Chief Benjamin Ormond began his career in eastern North Carolina with the Pactolus Volunteer Fire Department in Pitt County. As a second-generation firefighter, he transitioned to municipal firefighting with the City of Greenville where he also worked as a paramedic and was a founding member of the NC Task Force 10 USAR Team. For the last 16 years of his career his work has spanned the globe with various contract firefighting jobs in locations like lraq, an international airport and an industrial facility in the us, and Diego Garcia located in the British lndian Ocean Territory where he served as Fire Chief for the US Naval Support Facility.

"I have been blessed with a wonderful career that has allowed me to travel the world, and now I am excited to return home to North Carolina. lt is my true honor to be selected as the Town of Franklin's next fire chief," said Chief Ormond. "Franklin Fire and Rescue has a rich history in delivering high quality service to the community for over 100 years. I look forward to being a part of this outstanding department and the town's leadership team."

Ormond has a Masters in Emergency Services Management and a Bachelors in Fire Science. He is also certified as a fire officer lV, fire instructor lll, fire inspector ll, and many other fire rescue related specialties. Most recently he obtained his credentials as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and member of the lnstitution of Fire Engineers (MlFireE).

"Many well qualified applicants showed interest in the position, both locally and from afar," Town Manager Summer Woodard said. "After careful consideration of the merits each applicant brought to the position and the needs of the fire department, Ormond was chosen to take on the role and to lead the department forward."

The Town of Franklin announced a search for Fire Chief in August when Chief Matthew Breedlove resigned from the position. A committee consisting of fire department members, town staff, and fire liaison and Town Council Member Dinah Mashburn spent countless hours reviewing applications, arranging interviews, and organizing meet and greets with applicants and Fire Department staff.

"lt was an honor for me to be involved in the selection process of the fire chief position for the Franklin Fire Department, and during those interviews we spoke to several great candidates," Mashburn said of the process. "Franklin Fire Department is a combination of volunteers and paid employees. lt was very important for the search committee to select a new chief who understood the value that both the volunteers and paid staff bring to the Franklin Fire Department. We felt that Chief Ormond understood that value, and that he brought many other attributes to the job".

Chief Ormond joined Franklin Fire Department January 4th, 2021.

 

Contact the Fire Chief

Ben Ormond
Franklin Fire Chief
PO Box 1479
Franklin, NC 28744-1479
Phone: (828) 524-2332
Email: bormond@franklinnc.com