Carr Boyd, a captain and acting battalion chief with the Charlotte, N.C. Fire Department, has been named the Botetourt County’s new Director of Emergency Services. He will officially assume the post on May 8.
The announcement was made today, Thursday, March 22 by retired County Administrator Jerry Burgess—one of his final major decisions in the position.
According to the county’s announcement, Boyd was selected after careful consideration and a methodical search process spanning a two-month period,
Commenting on Boyd’s experience and credentials as a leader in the field of Fire, EMS and Emergency Management, Burgess said, “I am convinced that he is well qualified to make professional recommendations that will make the best use of limited resources in these challenging budgetary times.”
In his current position, Boyd actively participates in both call response and administration. His 19-year career in fire and emergency medical services (EMS) includes volunteer experience in Virginia where he served with both Prince Edward Volunteer Rescue Squad and Hampden Sydney Volunteer Fire Department, holding offices of First Lieutenant and President.
He is a nationally registered paramedic and an adjunct faculty member of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. where he teaches a 10-day executive development course in the Executive Fire Officer Program.
Prior to Burgess’s decision, the field of more than 70 applicants was initially screened by a five-member selection advisory committee, which included volunteer fire, volunteer rescue, citizen and county staff representatives.
A small group of finalists was subsequently presented to Burgess for final selection. Burgess expressed his gratitude to the committee, stating that, “It was very important to me that the process be collaborative in nature, with significant input by stakeholders. I am indebted to them for their diligence and excellent work over the past two months.”
In addition to numerous fire and EMS certifications, Boyd holds advanced degrees in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of North Carolina—Charlotte.
He is married with three children. His work in Botetourt will not officially begin until May due to current employment commitments and relocation arrangements.