Some exciting news from Chapel Hill Fire Department — we’ve got a new fire chief! Starting July 3, Jay Mebane took the helm. Before this, Jay was rocking it as the fire chief in Burlington.
A bit about Jay: he’s a 2005 Walter Williams High School grad. And fun fact? He actually started in public safety with the Burlington Police. “It’s funny how life takes turns,” Jay chuckles. “I got introduced to Burlington’s fire chief back in ’07. I had zero experience but was super curious. So, I volunteered with Mebane Fire Department and… let’s just say, I was hooked. By 2008, I’d joined Burlington Fire Department, and well, the rest is history.”
For Jay, being a firefighter means genuinely helping folks. He’s all in on enhancing the department. “I’m focusing on our team right now — we’re recruiting to fill some spots and updating our gear. Safety first, always!” He’s also keen on having open chats with his team to shape the department’s future.
Oh, and did you know about Chapel Hill FD’s community gigs? Like ensuring those tricky child safety seats are on point. Jay adds, “Got questions about your smoke alarm? Give us a ring! And businesses, remember we’re here to help, not just enforce rules. Let’s keep our community safe together!”
