Fire Chief Gary Sigmon
Retires After 20 Years With Claremont
Fire
Chief Gary Sigmon after a total of 38 years in local government, 20 of which
has been spent in his current role as Claremont’s Fire Chief has announced
his plans to retire effective June 30, 2013. Chief Sigmon has been a member
of the fire department for the past 27 years. He began his service to the
department as a volunteer firefighter and grew through the ranks holding the
positions of lieutenant and captain. Then in 1993 he was voted by the
membership to hold his current title as Fire Chief. Chief Sigmon began his
local government career at the age of 17 with Catawba County and spent 15
years with the County in the building and grounds department. Gary held
various roles in the department but left the County holding the title of
buildings & grounds Supervisor. He then transitioned to the City of Newton
in 1991 and held the rank of Engineer with the Fire Department. Then in 1995
Chief Sigmon took on the full time duties as the City’s first salaried Fire
Chief. In addition to his fire service, Gary has also been a reserve
Sheriff’s Deputy with the Catawba County Sheriff since 1977.
Under Chief Sigmon’s leadership the department has seen many successes
during his tenure as Chief. These include the construction of a new fire
station, delivery of all of the current fire apparatus including the recent
purchase of the department’s first ladder truck. Chief Sigmon has also been
very active in landing grants for the department. These have included the
purchase of a backup generator, breathing air packs, an air bottle filling
station, replacement of all the turnout gear for the members, and a grant to
purchase both VHF and 800 MHz radios. These and various other improvements
have culminated in the departments ISO rating of a level 5. Gary has also
built strong relationships in the community through prevention, education
and outreach programs that he has took on over the years. He has also been
an active member of the Catawba County Fire Fighters Association holding
various ranks including his current role as the treasurer. Over the past two
years Chief Sigmon has made strides to insure that during the next ISO
inspection that the department will be able to achieve a level 4. This in
itself is a huge accomplishment for the department, as it has grown under
his direction.
When asked about his announcement Chief Sigmon said “I have had a great time
serving as the first full time fire chief, along with all of our
accomplishments. There is nothing more satisfying than serving this
community”. When responding to the news of Chief Sigmon’s retirement, Mayor
David Morrow stated “The City of Claremont has benefited tremendously from
Chief Sigmon’s service over the years, his talent and competence as Fire
Chief has been an incredible asset”. He went on to say that “Chief Sigmon
has provided guidance to not only the department but to the entire community
through his fire safety outreach and safety inspection programs”.
City Manager Doug Barrick stated “Chief Sigmon will be missed, but he leaves
behind a world class fire department and I wish him all the best during this
new adventure in his life”. In regards to the next Chief, Barrick said “In
the weeks ahead the City will begin looking for the next generation of
leadership for the fire department. That new leader will take over a
talented and dedicated department”.
