Duncan Chapel’s New Fire Chief Promoted from Within
August 20, 2015
Former Assistant Chief Watson Earns Top Job
GREENVILLE, SC – The commissioners of the Duncan Chapel Fire District in northern Greenville County concluded their search for a new fire chief to replace Don Alleckson, who resigned earlier this year.
Their search led them to a choice close to home, as they named Russell Watson to fill the post.
Watson, who was previously the department’s assistant chief, became interim chief following Alleckson’s departure.
“We had a real comfort and confidence in Russell’s ability,” said Duncan Chapel’s commission chairman Bill Addis, who also serves as a volunteer lieutenant with the district along with being a full-time firefighter with the Parker District. “Russell’s leadership abilities have helped guide the department through the transition period, and his experience in the fire service has more than groomed him for the job.”
Charles Adams, who serves as the commission’s vice chair echoed Addis. “Securing grants, leading personnel, overseeing the construction of our second station, and working with the public, Russell understands the job’s administrative role. At heart, he’s a fireman, though. Along with his service as the district’s fire marshal and as a certified EMT, we couldn’t have selected a better person to lead this department for the foreseeable future.”
Watson began his career with Duncan Chapel as a volunteer in November 1993 and transitioned to full-time status in June 1997.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” Chief Watson said with wife and children standing by his side shortly after the commission made its decision.
“Having grown up in this area, this department and the people we’re fortunate enough to serve are important to me personally. They’re neighbors and friends, and making sure we continue improving our service to them each day is an ongoing goal. I’m grateful for the commission’s trust and confidence to take this role in an official capacity.”
About the Duncan Chapel Fire District
The mission of the Duncan Chapel Fire District is to protect the lives, property, and environment for the community by providing prompt, effective, and efficient emergency response activities along with proactive community risk reduction services. For more information about the Duncan Chapel Fire District, visit www.duncanchapelfire.org.
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This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements that are or may be subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or facts to differ materially from such statements for a variety of reasons. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Duncan Chapel Fire District undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.
