Hickory Fire Apparatus Operator Joel Porter retires

Hickory Fire Apparatus Operator Joel Porter is retiring after 29.5 years of service. He began his firefighting career on April 15, 1996, when he was hired as a firefighter.  Porter moved through the ranks and retired as a Fire Apparatus Operator.     

His interest in firefighting began when he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Cherryville Fire Department and as a part time fire inspector. 

As well as training required by the Hickory Fire Department, Porter is a certified as a Basic Rescue Technician and an EMTD. He is a level I Fire Inspector certified by the North Carolina Code Officials Board. He is certified in Hazardous Materials (operations level) and Pumps through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission. In 1998, he graduated from Gaston College with a degree in Fire Protection Technology. He has completed Response to Terrorism, Managing Tactical Company Operations, and Arson Investigation though the National Fire Academy. Porter is certified as a Level II Fire Service Instructor through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. He also has completed specialized training and is certified as NC Technical Rescuer in the areas of Vehicle Machinery Rescue, Ropes, Confined Space, Trench, Structural Collapse, Tower, and Swift Water Rescue.     

Porter resides in Cherryville and has always been involved in training dogs and hunting. With these talents, he will be using them to work with Mossy Pond Outfitters.