City Services
Gastonia Fire Department
Fire Chief Phil Welch
Phillip Bryson Welch Jr. is the 18th Fire Chief in the 108-year history of the Gastonia Fire Department. Born and raised in Gastonia, Chief Welch began his fire service career at the age of 18 at Union Road Volunteer Fire Department in southern Gaston County. He quickly realized his desire to become a full time firefighter and pursued a position with the Gastonia Fire Department. He began working for Gastonia in 1980. After almost 11 years with Gastonia, he transferred his service to Gaston College to become the first director of the College’s newly constructed Regional Emergency Services Training Center, where he was employed for over 18 years before his return to Gastonia Fire Department.
Chief Welch is a 2004 Executive Fire Officer Graduate of the National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg, Maryland. He has received the Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He has earned a Master's Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership, a BS Degree in Fire and Safety Engineering, an AAS in Fire Science and an AAS in Business Administration. Chief Welch has increasingly contributed personal and organization leadership within the community, the state and the nation.
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