Established in 1955
Fire Chief Steven Parrish Serving Since 1980
Chief Steven Parrish was appointed Fire Chief of the Cumberland Road Fire Department in June 2017. Chief Parrish began his fire service career with Cumberland Road in 1980 as a Firefighter and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, and Assistant Fire Chief.
Chief Parrish holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation awarded by the Commission on Professional Credentialing, along with multiple fire service certifications, including Fire Officer III, Technical Rescuer, Fire Instructor II, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He earned both an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Under Chief Parrish’s leadership, the Cumberland Road Fire Department achieved an ISOClass 1 Public Protection Classification, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence, preparedness, and service to the community.
Chief Parrish is an active member of several professional organizations, including the North Carolina Fire Chiefs’ Association, North Carolina Rescue and EMS Association, North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, Cumberland County Fire Chiefs’ Association, and the North Carolina Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors.
Assistant Fire Chief Robert Godwin was appointed to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in March 2019. He began his fire service career with Cumberland Road in 1999 as a volunteer firefighter. Chief Godwin has served in many officer roles during his tenure with Cumberland Road Fire Department, including, Lieutenant, Captain, and previously held the position of Assistant Fire Chief.
Educational Background: Chief Godwin is certified in many areas of the fire service including; Firefighter II, Driver Operator, Rescue Technician, both a Fire Service and EMS Instructor, National Fire Academy Leadership I, II, and III, National Fire Academy Safety officer, and NC Paramedic. Chief Godwin holds an A.A.S Business Administration from Fayetteville Technical Community College and an A.A.S Emergency Medical Services from Lenoir Community College.
Memberships: North Carolina State Firefighters Association, North Carolina Rescue and EMS Association, North Carolina Society of Fire Rescue Instructors, North Carolina Association of EMS Administrators, and National Association of EMTs.
Assistant Chief Robert Godwin
Deputy Chief Dale Spiller Serving Since 1989
Deputy Fire Chief Tommy “Dale” Spiller was appointed Cumberland Road’s Deputy Fire Chief in June 2002. He began his fire service career with Cumberland Road in 1989 as a Firefighter and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, and Assistant Fire Chief.
As Deputy Fire Chief, Chief Spiller is responsible for coordinating and managing the department’s paid staff and overseeing departmental support services operations.
Deputy Chief Spiller holds the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation through the Commission on Professional Credentialing and is a Certified Fire Investigator. He is also certified in many areas of the fire service, including Fire Officer III, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Instructor II, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Chief Spiller earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Fire Science Technology from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Fire Science Administration from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Memberships: North Carolina Fire Chief’s Association – North Carolina Rescue and EMS Association – North Carolina State Firefighters Association, Cumberland County Fire Chief’s Association.