Fire Department Command Staff

Winston-Salem Fire Chief John W. Gist

Chief Gist joined the Winston-Salem Fire Department as a firefighter on October 10, 1977. He has progressed through the ranks of the department over the years and was appointed as the Fire Chief on June 15, 1998.

Chief Gist graduated in 1976 from Winston-Salem State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. He is also a 1995 graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program which is administered by the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. In 1997, he graduated from the Municipal Administration program sponsored by the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, Chief Gist has attended classes in Municipal Administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has studied Fire Science through Guilford Technical Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College.

Under his leadership, the department has implemented a medical response program which insures customers a timely response to calls for medical assistance. Equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED´s), firefighters can now deliver "shocks" when indicated to a patient who has experienced a heart attack. Responders can also provide advanced airway administration and inject epinephrine during periods of respiratory distress caused by allergic reactions. This program has resulted in the documentation of numerous "saves" attributed to the quick response and actions of WSFD personnel.

Chief Gist continues to be an advocate for increased staffing, improved equipment, and the incorporation of the latest technology into fire service delivery. His administration is based on the core concept of quality customer service.

Deputy Fire Chief John W. Lucas A graduate of Livingstone College, Chief Lucas oversees the Fire Suppression Division of the Winston-Salem Fire Department. Joining the department in June, 1980 as a firefighter, he has steadily moved through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Fire Chief in 1998. In addition to daily operations, Chief Lucas commits time to long-range planning, recruiting, and benchmarking. He can be reached at (336) 773-7958.

District One District Chief Steve L. Williams Chief Williams is a 1979 graduate of Rowan Technical Institute with an Associate´s Degree in Fire Science Technologies. He became a firefighter with the Winston-Salem Fire Department in 1978 and currently oversees the departmental training and rescue programs in addition to District One operations. He also works closely with departmental technology applications.Chief Williams is a certified N.C. Level II Firefighter, a Hazardous Materials Technician, a N.C. Rescue Technician, and an Emergency Medical Technician. He also is certified as a Level II N.C. Fire Service Instructor with qualifications to teach Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials, Rescue Technician, and Confined Space Rescue. You may contact him at (336) 773-7963.

District Two District Chief Arlin D. Sechrist Chief Sechrist has been employed by the Winston-Salem Fire Department since 1980. In addtion to the engine and truck companies assigned to District Two, he supervises the Hazardous Materials Teams, the medical response program, and the Fire Maintenance Shop. He also oversees the purchase of new fire apparatus.  He has earned certification as a N.C. Level II Firefighter, a N.C. Fire Service Instructor, and a Medical Responder. He also has completed courses in Principles of Supervision and Situational Leadership. You may contact Chief Sechrist at (336) 773-7950.

District Three District Chief Antony R. Farmer Chief Farmer joined the Winston-Salem Fire Department in 1983 and directs operations in District Three. He oversees the purchase of new equipment as well as supervising construction needs and maintenance of the fire stations.  He is a certified N.C. Level II Firefighter, a N.C. Fire Service Instructor, and a Medical Responder. You may contact Chief Farmer at (336) 773-7961.