HICKORY, NC (January 3, 2019) — After 30 years to the fire service, Captain Andy Webster has retired from the Hickory Fire Department. He was hired on August 21, 1989 as a firefighter and moved through the ranks. In March 2017, he was promoted to Captain. Captain Webster obtained certifications and courses to further his career including: NC Level II Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations level, NC Level II Qualified Fire Service Instructor, NC Fire Prevention Inspector Level I, NC EMT Basic, NC EVD, NC RIT, Leadership I-III, NIMS through FEMA, and level 2 NC Fire Officer.
Webster served as President of the Western North Carolina Association of Firefighters in 2017. He has been a member of the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department since 1984. In 2013, he was appointed Fire Chief and still serves in that capacity. After retirement, his plans are to continue serving as Fire Chief at Cool Springs and may one day run for elected office.
Webster said “I’m looking forward to what every direction life takes me in and just being able to work at my schedule. Plan to travel and catch some college and pro football games with my son Dallas and see the country with my life partner Jennifer. And cook a meal every now and then for family and friends.” He continued “I also want to thank all the citizens of this great city for allowing me to serve them for the past 30 years. I was able to live out my childhood dream of working as a firefighter.”