ROCKINGHAM — The Rockingham Fire Department will be undergoing a leadership change next month.
City Manager Monty Crump announced Thursday that Austin Parker, currently serving as deputy chief, will be succeeding Harold Isler as chief, effective June 24.
“Chief Parker comes to his new position with excellent experience, training, and thorough knowledge of the fire service,” Crump said in a press release.
According to the release, Parker started his involvement in the fire service at the age of 15 as a junior firefighter with Cordova Fire and Rescue.
Parker is a graduate of Richmond Senior High School and the Sandhills Community College Fire Academy and has obtained numerous certifications.
Since joining the Rockingham Fire Department, Parker has risen through the ranks, including engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and his current position where he oversees department-wide operations, administrative management, training coordination, policy development, budgeting, and emergency response operations.
Parker is married to his wife, Lauren, and they have a 3-year-old son, Dawson.
Crump said Parker “consistently demonstrates an eagerness and work ethic that led to his promotion.”
“I am confident that Chief Parker possesses the qualities, dedication and experience necessary to serve as fire chief,” Crump said.
Isler will be retiring after nearly 12 years at the helm in Rockingham, having started in August of 2014 — overseeing a fire at the flea market on his first day.
Before coming to Rockingham, Isler served with his hometown department in Goldsboro, starting in 1997.
“Under his dedication and steady leadership, Rockingham Fire Department progressed to an ISO 2 Fire Rating due to Chief Isler's professionalism and his extensive knowledge of the firefighting profession,” said Crump, who added Isler was committed to the safety, health and welfare of the city’s residents. “Rockingham owes Chief Isler a great debt of gratitude for his service and we all wish him and his family the best as he retires.”
