Pender County names Bruce Tucker as Division Chief of Fire

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County has appointed Bruce M. Tucker as Division Chief of Fire for Pender County Emergency Services. He is scheduled to begin the role on Aug. 3.

County officials said Tucker was selected following a competitive recruitment process as the county continues to establish its unified Emergency Services department. The department combines Pender EMS and Fire, Penderlea Fire, Pender County Emergency Management and the Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office under one organization.

Tucker joins Pender County from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue in Northern Virginia, where he serves as a battalion chief. In that position, he oversees emergency response operations and supervises career and volunteer personnel during incidents including structure fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials calls and technical rescues.

His fire service career spans more than 30 years as both a volunteer and career firefighter. Since joining Prince William County in 1996, Tucker has advanced through the ranks from firefighter and paramedic to lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. His assignments have included operations, training, communications and health and safety.

Tucker holds several fire and EMS certifications, including Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor III and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is also a Virginia-certified EMT-paramedic and has completed National Incident Management System training.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration from Columbia Southern University and an associate degree in Fire Science Technology from Northern Virginia Community College.

According to the county, Tucker plans to spend his first weeks meeting personnel at fire stations across Pender County, connecting with volunteer departments and community partners, and working with Emergency Services leadership to support the department’s transition while maintaining service to residents.