Special to IFN

Thirty years ago, Curt Deaton stepped into Mooresville Fire-Rescue Station No. 1 as a full-time firefighter. On March 27, he retires following a distinguished career after serving the past 14 years as the department’s fire chief.

“Chief Deaton’s dedication has benefited our residents, our businesses, and our visitors for the 30 years he has served the Town of Mooresville,” said Town Manager Tracey Jerome. “His leadership has helped to ensure that Mooresville Fire-Rescue is ready for the future and for that, we are extremely grateful. We wish him the very best now, and in the future, as he begins his next chapter.”

During Deaton’s tenure as fire chief, Mooresville Fire-Rescue was awarded, and still holds, an ISO Class 1 rating from the N.C. Department of Insurance. He was instrumental in the opening of fire stations 5 and 6 and led the design and purchase of the department’s first tractor-drawn aerial.

In August of 2024, Deaton was elected president of the N.C. State Firefighters Association. He previously served on the association’s executive board as first vice president, second vice president, and regional director for Western North Carolina.

Deaton’s influence has also been felt beyond the Town of Mooresville. He was elected president of the Western North Carolina Association of Firefighters in 2014 and served on its board in multiple leadership roles.

Reflecting on his career, Deaton, a third-generation firefighter, said, “I never knew when I joined 30 years ago that I’d one day be sitting in the position I’m in today. It took a lot of hard work and opportunities that came with the community’s growth. I’m very grateful — what a great way to end a career.”