The Gastonia Fire Department held a promotional ceremony for the following firefighters on May 8 at Fire Station No. 1 on North Myrtle School Road:
Capt. Matt Young to the rank of Battalion Chief – Chief Young has served the citizens of Gastonia for over 16 years after being hired by the department on July 15, 2002. Chief Young is married to his wife, Hannah, and has a daughter, Sophie. In addition to serving with the GFD, Chief Young is also the Fire Chief at New Hope Fire Department and a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Belmont.
Engineer Chip Hawkins to the rank of Captain – Capt. Hawkins has served the citizens of Gastonia for over 18 years after being hired by the department on Jan. 16, 2001. Capt. Hawkins is married to his wife, Kimberly, and has a son, Chase. Capt. Hawkins attends Parkwood Baptist Church.
Engineer Charles Morrow to the rank of Captain – Capt. Morrow has served the citizens of Gastonia for over 7 years after being hired by the department on May 31, 2011. Capt. Morrow is married to his wife, Morgan, and attends Anthony Grove Baptist Church in Crouse. Capt. Morrow is also a Fire Captain with the Waco Community Fire Department in Cleveland County.
Firefighter Lucas Rollins to the rank of Engineer – Engineer Rollins has served the citizens of Gastonia for over 7 years after being hired by the department on June 13, 2011. Engineer Rollins is also the Training Chief with the Boiling Springs Fire Department in Cleveland County.
