The City of Lenoir has hired Norman Staines to serve as the next Fire Chief in Lenoir. Mr. Staines has 28 years of experience in the fire service and has been teaching firefighting and public safety for more than 20 years. City Manager Scott Hildebran said more than 40 people from all over the country applied for the position. Mr. Staines will start in his new role on June 19.

Mr. Staines grew up in Caldwell County, and aside from a couple years after he was first married, he has lived on the same street all his life. He currently lives across from his parents, and his grandmother lives nearby.

Mr. Staines attended Whitnel Elementary and graduated from Hibriten High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business & Administration — Accounting from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management from Fayetteville State University. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Mr. Staines holds more than 20 fire and emergency preparedness certifications.

In his free time, Mr. Staines enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, and dog, Nala. The couple loves watching Appalachian football and traveling.