HICKORY, NC (February 20, 2017)…After 33 years of service, Deputy Chief Derik Martin has retired from the Hickory Fire Department. Martin began his employment with the City of Hickory on April 16, 1984 when he was hired to work as a firefighter. Through the years he served as firefighter, Captain, Battalion Chief and was promoted to Deputy Chief in March 2013.
Throughout his years, Martin has obtained several certifications including Firefighter Level II through the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission and Emergency Medical Technician through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Services. During his time with the department, he completed training as an Operation level Hazardous Materials Operator/ Technician level and in specialized courses including Fire Service Instructor level II, Technical Rescuer, and Fire Officer levels I and II. Martin also completed training from the National Fire Academy in Leadership, where he obtained levels I through III in Leadership.
Through the North Carolina Code Officials Board, Martin is also certified as a Level I fire inspector. As well as his job with the fire department, he has served the city as a member of several committees. In 2016, he graduated from Coastal Carolina Community College with an Associate degree in Fire Protection. For several years, Martin has also been a member of both the NC Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
For over four years, Martin was a helicopter Rescue Swimmer with the Coast Guard. He served the areas of Atlantic Beach, Elizabeth City, NC and Pensacola and Clearwater Florida.
Martin started his career as a volunteer with Bandy’s Fire Department and now that he has retired he has joined that department again where he plans to continue to update his emergency services training.
He resides in the Bandy’s area with his wife, Treva. During his retirement, he plans to do a lot of fishing.