Pender County Fire Marshal becomes the first female Eastern Region Director for the NCFMA

PENDER COUNTY, NC (News Release) — The North Carolina Fire Marshals Association (NCFMA) announced that Pender County Fire Marshal Amy Burton has been selected as the association’s Eastern Region Director, making her the first woman to hold this leadership position in the region. Her two-year term officially begins on January 1, 2026.

A respected figure in public safety, Burton’s election is a milestone she views as representative of the growing presence of women in leadership across fire prevention, code enforcement, and public safety disciplines.

“It’s humbling to be trusted with this role and to represent so many dedicated professionals across Eastern North Carolina,” Burton said. “The NCFMA has helped to shape much of my own growth as a fire marshal, and now I have the chance to give back—to listen, to collaborate, and to help strengthen the consistency and credibility of our profession. My focus will be on mentorship, engagement, and making sure every county feels connected to the resources and support they need.”

Burton outlined a clear agenda for her tenure, aimed at reinforcing the core mission of fire safety across the Eastern Region. Her key goals include:

• Building stronger collaboration and communication among the Eastern Region fire marshal offices.
• Promoting mentorship opportunities for new inspectors and code officials.
• Encouraging professional growth through continuing education and the Fire Marshal Institute.
• Advocating for the protection and consistency of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which she described as the “foundation of what keeps our communities safe.”

Burton brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having previously been named the first female Fire Marshal of Pender County. Additionally, she was the first woman in Leland to achieve the rank of EMS Battalion Chief, underscoring her commitment to pioneering leadership roles within the field.

Her service as Eastern Region Director will focus on ensuring all counties in the region have unified access to training and resources to maintain a high, consistent standard of fire and life safety enforcement.