Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421 

Greensboro Fire Chief Announces Retirement
News Conference Scheduled for 11 am Today

GREENSBORO – (January 28, 2008) – After more than 44 years of helping to protect Greensboro residents and businesses from fire and other emergencies, Greensboro Fire Chief Johnny Teeters has announced that he will retire effective December 15, 2008.

Teeters will formally make the announcement during a news conference today at 11 am at the Fire Department Training Center, 1514 N. Church St., Greensboro. See a photo from the event.

Under Teeters’ leadership, the Greensboro Fire Department maintained a Class One rating from the National Insurance Services Office, making Greensboro one of only 55 cities in the nation – and the only one in North Carolina – to garner the distinction.

“My decision to retire was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make,” Teeters said. “I’ve had a great career and have gotten to work with some of the greatest people in the world  -- the men and woman of the Greensboro Fire Department. I can honestly say that I enjoyed coming to work every day of my 44-year career.”

Teeters began his career with the City of Greensboro in 1964 as a firefighter. He subsequently received numerous promotions and served stints as a captain, battalion chief, assistant chief and deputy chief before being named fire chief in 1999.

During his tenure, Teeters has been committed to implementing positive and productive change for the GFD.

“My vision for this department has been one of a community-based, regionally-aligned organization,” Teeters said. “I’ve worked toward making the Greensboro Fire Department an organization that is dedicated to service and excellence through superior leadership and technology, and one that recognizes the achievements of people who work together.”
Community surveys regularly confirmed that the Chief had accomplished his goal: with few exceptions, the Fire Department has historically been rated the top City service.

Teeters has received a number of awards and accolades during his tenure, including an appointment by the Governor to serve as chair of the State Emergency Response Commission. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Fire Commission. 

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.