Peter A. Waters has taken the reins of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, according to a press release from the city.
Waters was named fire chief Monday night during the Pembroke City Council’s regular monthly meeting. According to the release, he became the department’s first full-time paid firefighter after serving 10 years as a volunteer. In April of this year, he was promoted to assistant fire chief.
A certified firefighter, Waters has completed more than 150 hours of training and is currently teaching a state-level basic firefighter class to 10 of Pembroke’s volunteer firefighters.
“He has played an active role in the planning and hosting Pembroke annual Public Safety Day for the students in both Lanier Primary and Bryan County Elementary School, as well as events, including Pembroke’s Night Out,” the release stated.
Waters is currently working on the city’s goal of getting the fire department accredited by the state.
“As part of (SPLOST funds), the city will be constructing a new Public Safety Complex, housing both the city’s police and fire departments,” the release stated. “Achieving accreditation of the department in conjunction with the opening of the new facility is a city priority.”
Waters takes over for Bryan County Emergency Services Chief Freddy Howell, who was tapped as interim fire chief in April when longtime volunteer fire chief Jimmy Cook left the department after 50 years.
Waters and his wife, Christy, who is also a volunteer firefighter, have one daughter.