Promotions at City Fire and Rescue Departments

The Asheville Fire and Rescue Department has announced the promotion of two new battalion chiefs, John Presley and James Cowan, effective April 15, 2007.  The two are promoted following the retirements of Chris Morgan and John Witherspoon.

Asheville Fire Chief Greg Grayson stated, “Today is an exciting day in the history of the Asheville Fire and Rescue Department, as the leadership of our organization continues to move in a positive, progressive direction that is focused on continuous improvement of service delivery to our citizens.”

James Cowan

John Presley

Approximately
30 firefighters will report to each of the new battalion chiefs on
their assigned shifts. The responsibilities of battalion chiefs include
emergency scene incident command, personnel and resource management,
project management, professional development training and ensuring that
emergency response coverage is continually provided for their section
of the city.


Presley has
served as an Asheville firefighter since January 1982. He has had a
distinguished professional career and has served in every rank within
the department up to battalion chief, most recently serving as a
captain in the West Asheville station. Presley has earned an A.A.S.
degree in fire protection from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community
College.


Cowan has served
as an Asheville firefighter since January 1984. His distinguished
professional career includes service in every rank within the
department up to battalion chief, most recently serving as a captain in
the downtown station. He is currently completing an A.A.S. degree in
fire protection from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.


Grayson further
commented, “Both of these gentlemen bring with them many outstanding
skills, abilities and professional experience that will serve our
department and our community well for many years to come.”