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Albemarle Fire Chief Pierre Brewton has announced he will leave his role with the city to become fire chief for the City of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Albemarle Assistant Fire Chief Kenny Kendall will serve as interim chief while the process to hire a new chief takes place, effective March 18.

“I’ve been privileged to lead this talented, dedicated and caring team, who are committed to doing all they can to serve the citizens of this great city,” Brewton said. “I thank our elected leaders, city administration, and the community for supporting the work of the Albemarle Fire Department to make this community a safer place to call home. The City and the Albemarle Fire Department have a bright future ahead.”

Brewton was named chief in December 2019. Prior to coming to Albemarle, Brewton served as a firefighter in Spartanburg for 33 years, rising to the rank of assistant chief.

During Brewton’s time with Albemarle, the award-winning Albemarle Firefighter Cadet Academy was established. The academy is an 18-week course featuring classroom and hands-on field instruction led by members of the Albemarle Fire Department and specialist instructors. Once completed, cadets earn their North Carolina State Firefighters Certification and are sworn into the fire service.

The Albemarle Firefighter Cadet Academy recently celebrated its fourth graduating class. Graduates have gone on to become members of the Albemarle Fire Department or other local fire departments.

“Chief Brewton has advanced our fire department and helped it grow. Chief became a highly valued and respected leader in the city’s organization and the community. We are truly grateful for his efforts and wish him well in the future,” said City Manager Michael Ferris.