News Summary
The Southern Shores Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates for the Fire Captain position due to declining volunteer numbers. As the department faces challenges in maintaining public safety, it may shift towards a more paid staff structure. The role involves supervising fire suppression and prevention efforts, with a salary of $71,872 and a full benefits package. The transition could lead to the addition of full-time employees, essential for meeting the community’s growing fire protection needs.
Southern Shores, North Carolina – The Southern Shores Fire Department is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of Fire Captain, as volunteer numbers have dramatically decreased in recent years. The department is facing challenges that could lead to a shift towards a more comprehensive paid staff structure to ensure adequate public safety and emergency response in the community.
The position of Fire Captain is crucial for maintaining public safety, overseeing fire suppression, fire prevention efforts, and providing education for the community. The Fire Captain will also have supervisory responsibilities and will serve as a mid-level management leader for an assigned shift at the fire station. This role comes with a salary of $71,872, and includes a full benefits package. Interested applicants need to have an Associate’s Degree in fire science or a related field from an accredited institution, along with advanced training in fire service and supervisory practices. Preference will be given to those with at least seven years of experience in the fire service and supervisory roles. The application process remains open until the position is filled, with candidates advised to submit their resumes via email to the Chief of the Southern Shores Fire Department.
The need for a Fire Captain arises amid a noticeable decline in volunteer firefighters, which has decreased from 57 volunteers in 2018 to 29 in 2024. Several factors are contributing to this downturn, including an aging volunteer base and rising housing challenges in the Outer Banks region, which have made it difficult for individuals to commit to volunteer firefighting. As a result, the Southern Shores Fire Department is evaluating its operational structure, considering the possibility of integrating full-time staff to better address the community’s fire protection needs and ensure prompt emergency response.
Currently, the department consists of a mix of paid and volunteer personnel, including a Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and two administrative staff. The proposed changes could lead to the addition of six full-time employees, which would include positions for a Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and three new captain roles. These changes aim to maintain the department’s core volunteer mission while meeting the evolving demands for fire protection services as the town’s population swells from around 3,000 year-round residents to over 10,000 during tourist season.
The Town Manager, Cliff Ogburn, has highlighted the urgency of ensuring a reliable response system, particularly when residents dial 911. The planned transition is viewed as essential to mitigate the risks associated with declining volunteer numbers. The local town council has already signed a memorandum of agreement to explore these potential operational changes, emphasizing a commitment to improving public safety while utilizing town resources effectively.
If the transition to incorporate paid staff moves forward, the implementation is projected to occur by July 1, coinciding with the start of the new budget cycle. The Southern Shores Fire Department is committed to finding solutions to enhance fire protection services while maintaining the community’s spirit of volunteerism that has historically defined its fire department.
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Additional Resources
- Firehouse: Job Posting for Fire Captain, Southern Shores Fire Department
- WTKR: Southern Shores Discussing Future of Fire Department Operations
- The Coastland Times: Duck Fire Department Leaders Sworn In
- Google Search: Southern Shores Fire Department
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighter
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
