Last Updated on April 27, 2021 7:00 pm
The current Watauga County Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator has accepted a new position with the state.
Taylor Marsh announced on April 23rd that he has accepted a position with the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. “I feel this is the next step to take in my life and career and although there is some nervousness about it, I also look forward to the future.” Marsh noted in his announcement.
He also added, “I will still be living in Boone and will hopefully still be involved in the volunteer side of things for emergency services.”
Marsh tells WataugaOnline.com that his new position will be as a fire investigator for the state for the areas west of I-77. Those criteria include but not totally limited to – fires with a fatality or any state-owned structure/property involved.
He was named to his current position with Watauga County in January 2017, as reported by WataugaOnline.com at the time. In an interview at the time Marsh said, “I've always desired to work in emergency services and started out as a volunteer fireman with Stewart Simmons Fire Department in 2007 where I received the majority of my fire certifications. I started in the field full time in 2009 as an EMT Basic in Catawba County then worked at Watauga Medics as a EMT Paramedic. From there I went to Blowing Rock as Fire Marshal for the town then to Boone Fire Department as a driver operator. I was then hired at Watauga County as a code enforcement officer until my recent appointment as Fire Marshal EM Coordinator.” Marsh's father, Ronnie, was the first Fire Marshal and EM for Watauga when he was hired in 1984.
Assistant Fire Marshal Jay Kerley will handle the position when Marsh leaves on Friday May 7th. Will Holt will handle Emergency Management related matters until a replacement is named for the positions(s).
