Fire Marshal Mike Willis retiring at end of year

Burke County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Director Mike Willis said last week he will retire at the end of the year.

Willis, who will soon be 60, is in good health, but decided now is the time to step away from the position he has held for the last eight years.

“Not a thing (is wrong), it’s just time to go. It’s just old age,” Willis laughed. “I’ll be 60, and that way I can retire with no penalties.”

Willis has been involved in emergency services for 43 years. He got his start as a volunteer fireman in Mitchell County. He came to Burke County in 1998 when he took a job with the City of Morganton. Willis also worked at Western Piedmont Community College for 10 years before beginning work with the county.

Burke County Manager Brian Epley said Willis’ departure would leave some big shoes to fill.

“Mike will be difficult to replace, that’s for sure,” Epley said. “He is such a vital part of our public safety leadership team. As Fire Marshal, he’s a conduit between the county and all the volunteer fire departments. As Emergency Management Director, he works with the state and federal governments and Homeland Security and plays an integral role in our emergency preparedness.

“He has a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge.”

Willis is the second high-ranking emergency services official to step down this year. Jason Black retired as Emergency Services Director in May. New director James Robinson took over in August.

Epley said he appreciates the fact Willis gave the county plenty of notice.

“I salute him for his openness,” Epley said. “It’s not every executive that gives his employer a four- to six-month heads-up.”

Epley said he’s counting on Willis to play a key role in hiring the next director. In addition, Willis has offered to contract with the county after his retirement if his services and expertise are needed, and Epley said that’s something the county would strongly consider.

“Mike’s character, integrity, professionalism, instincts, and situational awareness are immeasurable for our public safety team,” Epley said. “I congratulate him. This is certainly a well-earned retirement.”

The county will take applications until Oct. 20, according to the Burke County website. The pay range listed for the job is $75,000 to $100,000.