Fire & Rescue Contacts

Kevin Gordon is the Division Chief of Fire and Rescue Services Commission, Research & Program Development (RPD), Training, and the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). He provides executive leadership and oversight for statewide fire and rescue certification, qualification, and training programs, while supervising the operations of the Commission, RPD, Training Division, and NC ETC. He works closely with the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, instructors, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with state policies and standards, support accreditation and continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain the integrity and effectiveness of North Carolina’s fire and rescue training system.

Michael Caviness is the Supervisor of Commission and RPD, acting as a liaison between the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, and qualified fire and rescue instructors. He provides leadership and oversight for statewide certification and qualification initiatives while acting as a liaison between the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, and qualified fire and rescue instructors. He supports delivery agencies in maintaining compliance with state certification policies, assists with audits and program oversight, and ensures consistent communication of decisions, standards, and program updates across the state.

Tom Simmons serves as the Certification Specialist for Region 1, acting as a liaison between the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, and qualified fire and rescue instructors. He supports delivery agencies in maintaining compliance with state certification policies and procedures, assists with audits, qualification testing, and program oversight, and helps ensure consistent communication of certification standards, program updates, and Commission decisions across the region. He also assists with certification operations, instructor support, and statewide training initiatives as needed.

Tom Simmons
Certification Specialist, Region 1
thomas.simmons@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Joe Ramsey serves as the Certification Specialist for Region 3, acting as a liaison between the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, and qualified fire and rescue instructors. He supports delivery agencies in maintaining compliance with state certification policies and procedures, assists with audits, qualification testing, and program oversight, and helps ensure consistent communication of certification standards, program updates, and Commission decisions across the region. He also assists with certification operations, instructor support, and statewide training initiatives as needed.

Joe Ramsey
Certification Specialist, Region 3 & 2W
joe.ramsey@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Ben Smith serves as the Certification Specialist for Region 4, acting as a liaison between the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, and qualified fire and rescue instructors. He supports delivery agencies in maintaining compliance with state certification policies and procedures, assists with audits, qualification testing, and program oversight, and helps ensure consistent communication of certification standards, program updates, and Commission decisions across the region. He also assists with certification operations, instructor support, and statewide training initiatives as needed.

Ben Smith
Certification Specialist, Region 4 & 2E
ben.smith@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Allan Buchanan
Division Chief Fire Rescue Services Community Risk Reduction & Safe Kids NC Coordinator
allan.buchanan@ncdoi.gov
919-218-7855

Paula Brennan
Finance Officer - Community Risk Reduction & Safe Kids NC
paula.brennan@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0077

Norman Franklin
Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Region 1
norman.franklin@ncdoi.gov
919-218-6103

Troy Davidson
Community Risk Reduction Supervisor/Specialist, Region 2
troy.davidson@ncdoi.gov
919-817-6872

Jason Nesbit
Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Region 3
jason.nesbit@ncdoi.gov
919-892-5006

Alex Wilkins
Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Region 4
alexander.wilkins@ncdoi.gov
919-609-7609

Kevin Gordon is the Division Chief of Fire and Rescue Services Commission, Research & Program Development (RPD), Training, and the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). He provides executive leadership and oversight for statewide fire and rescue certification, qualification, and training programs, while supervising the operations of the Commission, RPD, Training Division, and NC ETC. He works closely with the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, delivery agencies, instructors, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with state policies and standards, support accreditation and continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain the integrity and effectiveness of North Carolina’s fire and rescue training system.

David Morris serves as the Training and Accreditation Manager for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). He oversees the coordination, delivery, and accreditation support of training programs conducted at the NC ETC, working closely with instructors, delivery agencies, and partner organizations to ensure high-quality, standards-based training opportunities for North Carolina’s fire and rescue community. He also assists with program development, compliance with accreditation requirements, and statewide specialty training initiatives conducted through the NC ETC.

David Morris
Training & Accreditation Manager
david.morris@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Shane Nantz serves as the ARFF Program Manager for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). In this role, he oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training programs conducted at the NC ETC. He works closely with instructors, fire departments, and partner agencies to provide high-quality, standards-based training opportunities that support airport emergency response personnel across North Carolina and the surrounding region.

Shane Nantz
ARFF Program Manager
shane.nantz@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Dale Brown serves as the ARFF Lead Instructor for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). He is responsible for leading and delivering Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) training programs, coordinating hands-on practical evolutions. Dale works closely with instructors, airport agencies, and fire departments to ensure training is realistic, standards-based, and focused on preparing responders for the unique challenges associated with aircraft emergencies and airport operations. He also assists with specialty training initiatives and program support activities conducted through the NC ETC.

Dale Brown
ARFF Lead Instructor
dale.brown@ncdoi.gov
919-647-0000 (Office)

Anthony Killough serves as the Water Rescue Program Manager for the North Carolina Emergency Training Center (NC ETC). He oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of water rescue training programs conducted at the NC ETC, including swiftwater, flood rescue, and specialty rescue operations training. Anthony works closely with instructors, emergency response agencies, and partner organizations to provide realistic, standards-based training opportunities that prepare responders for complex water-related emergencies. He also supports program development, instructor coordination, and statewide specialty rescue initiatives conducted through the NC ETC.

Anthony Killough
Water Rescue Program Manager
anthony.killough@ncdoi.gov
919-604-1195