THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 30, 1996 TAG: 9610300439
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY JEFFREY S. HAMPTON, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: 37 lines
A 26-year veteran firefighter from Wilson will take over as chief of the Fire Department here on Nov. 18.
In a special closed meeting Monday, City Council voted unanimously for Roy S. Spell to replace former chief Tedd Melvin, who retired May 31, said City Manager Steven Harrell. Spell has been deputy chief in Wilson for 11 years.
Spell will earn $56,000 a year overseeing 38 firefighters, two clerks and a $1.8 million budget.
``His educational background is outstanding,'' said Harrell, adding that Spell was chosen over three other final candidates. ``He's been the deputy fire chief of a city two times the size of our city. He has very good people skills. He'll make a lasting impression quickly.''
Spell earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Shaw University and has an associate's degree in fire science from Wilson Community College. He is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, a state fire instructor, a state fire prevention officer and a hazardous material instructor.
Spell is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program of the Institute of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill and the National Fire Academy Executive Officer Program.
His awards include 1977 Fireman of the Year for North Carolina, 1982 National Red Cross Award, 1991 Region L Emergency Service Advisory Council Award and the 1993 United Way Volunteer Service Award. He is currently president of the Eastern Fireman's Association.
Spell arrives just before the city builds a second fire station at the corner of Harney and Elizabeth streets. Currently, all firemen work out of one station on Halstead Boulevard. Construction of the new station will begin by early 1997 and be finished by late spring.
KEYWORDS: ELIZABETH CITY CITY COUNCIL FIRE CHIEF by CNB