The town of Leland recently promoted Ronnie Hayes to fire chief. Hayes fills Chris Langlois’ position, who was named the town’s first public safety director in January.
Hayes joined Leland Fire and Rescue in 2007, serving as captain, assistant chief of operations, deputy chief of fire and emergency services.
When the department merged with Leland in 2017, Hayes has served as the town’s fire marshal.
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A Columbus County native, Hayes has been married for 26 years and has two sons and a granddaughter.
Before coming to Leland, Hayes was the Columbus County Emergency Services director and a Brunswick County Emergency Services paramedic. He’s been in the fire service for 32 years, holding numerous positions including fire chief of Shallotte Point Volunteer Fire Department.
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Hayes currently serves on the board of directors of the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association and has previously served on the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation board of directors.
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“Over the past 15 years, I have seen the growth of the town, community, and fire department, so I am excited about what is to come and the opportunity to continue serving Leland and northern Brunswick County,” Hayes said.