Ray Enoch has been named the new Chief of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services, effective November 4. Enoch, currently an assistant fire chief with the City of Raleigh, was selected after a thorough recruitment process and will replace current Chief Albert Alston, who was recently promoted to assistant city manager.
Enoch began his career as a firefighter with the Burlington Fire Department in 2000. Throughout his 25-year career, he has served in various roles with the Chapel Hill Fire Department, Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office and as deputy fire chief with the Carrboro Fire Department before joining the Raleigh Fire Department as assistant fire chief in 2021. Enoch has extensive experience in operations, community risk reduction, and professional development.
“Ray brings a range of experience that will serve us well during Wilson’s time of extraordinary growth,” said City Manager Rodger Lentz. “He has extensive experience in urban environments with rapid growth, and also a deep commitment to community risk reduction and professional development for the men and women of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services. Ray distinguished himself among the many high-quality candidates due to his experience and his excitement for joining a department where he can develop strong relationships in the department and in the community.”
Enoch was selected after a national search. Each finalist went through a rigorous assessment center conducted by Developmental Associates and including veteran fire professionals and chiefs from across the state.
“I am honored to be selected as the next Fire Chief for the City of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services,” said Enoch. “I am committed to building on the proud legacy of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services established by the great fire chiefs before me."
Enoch holds a bachelor’s degree in fire, arson and explosion investigation from Eastern Kentucky University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is a graduate of several executive development programs in the fire service including Fire Service Executive Development Institute. He decided to pursue a career as a firefighter after serving in the Burlington Fire Department’s Explorers program as a teenager and has spent his entire career in the fire service.
Enoch will lead a department that has been accredited five times by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and has a Class 1 ISO rating. Fewer than one percent of agencies hold this distinction.
Alston will continue serving in both roles until Enoch’s arrival. Alston was named assistant city manager earlier this year and has responsibility for the Wilson Police Department, Wilson Fire/Rescue Services and several other city functions.
Chief Enoch will be only the seventh chief in the department's history. Albert Lancaster was the first chief after the department became full-time professional in 1938, followed by Tyrus Bissett, 1949-71; Ben Williams, 1971-85; C. Bruce Rose, 1985-01; Don Oliver, 1992-2017; and Albert Alston, 2017-2025.
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