Henderson Fire Chief Tim Twisdale said he learned at an early age the importance of service to others and being responsible for nurturing growth.
Those childhood lessons are paying dividends as Twisdale takes the helm as the city’s new chief.
As a youngster, growing up on the family farm, he was exposed to things that have helped him through the years – “Be responsible for things. Plant a seed and see where it goes,” he said.
Twisdale was a guest on Tuesday’s TownTalk and shared his story that started on the family farm in the Granville County community of Bullock.
He’s had mentors within the fire service, but it was his grandfather – a volunteer at the Bullock station – who started it all.
“I looked up to him,” Twisdale said, adding that his grandfather showed him the importance of “being part of the community and giving back. He enjoyed doing so.”
So Twisdale decided to follow in his granddad’s footsteps and he joined the ranks of volunteers at Bullock.
And he ran across an instructor named Steve Cordell who shared with him about being a career firefighter. As a 20-something, Twisdale acknowledged that it sure sounded more exciting than sitting behind a desk all day.
Since then, there have been many classes and many mentors who have helped Twisdale on this career path.
It will be his turn now to help other firefighters as they pursue their goals and dreams.
Twisdale said he hoped to name a deputy chief soon. “We’ve opened it up to internal applicants,” and that continues for another week. The department’s career ladder structure helps firefighters determine next steps and pathways for success.
“I anticipate having a good pool of applicants coming through,” he said. There will be an interview team assembled to ensure transparency in the selection process, although Twisdale will make the final decision.
Chief Cordell and retired Chief Danny Wilkerson were instrumental in instilling pride into the department, and Twisdale said he intends to keep it going for the future.
“I want to keep the pride and dedication and professionalism that our department has, and expand and grow as the city grows,” he said.
The department enjoys an ISO rating of 2, and is as close to a 1 rating as is possible. What stands in the way, Twisdale said, are two areas that the department and the city are aware of and are working on – increased staffing and a new fire station.
As battalion chief, Twisdale had to make sure fire calls were answered efficiently and effectively. In his new role as chief, he is responsible for more of the administration of the fire department. But efficiency and effectiveness remain top of mind, he said, and he plans to lead by example.
“I consider myself a servant leader. We all are here for the common good and to support one another…we want to look after our folks, our citizens – every time we go out the door.”