Special to IFN
The Town of Mooresville announced on Monday that Shane LaCount has been promoted to fire chief of Mooresville Fire-Rescue, effective immediately. He succeeds Curt Deaton, who retired after 30 years of service to the community.
“With a deep-rooted commitment to our department and a wealth of institutional knowledge, as well as extensive technical expertise, Chief LaCount brings a proven track record of leadership to the role,” Town Manager Tracey Jerome said. “The Town, and its residents and businesses, will benefit greatly from his experience and strong leadership.”
LaCount, who joined the department in 2008, said he was honored to be selected for the position.
“To be entrusted with carrying that legacy forward is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly,” he said.
“The men and women of this department represent the very best of public service,” LaCount added. “Their courage, commitment, and compassion reflect the core values of the fire service. I am eager to stand alongside them, support them, and ensure they have the leadership, resources, and training necessary to continue delivering outstanding service to the residents of Mooresville.”
LaCount has served as MFR’s deputy chief since 2013. He previously worked with the City of Richmond Fire Department in Richmond, Ky., and was an associate professor and program director in Eastern Kentucky University’s Fire and Safety Engineering Technology Program. He also served as a lead instructor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Training Institute and worked as a fire and safety consultant for Health and Safety Sciences LLC in Ashland, Ky. Earlier in his career, he served with the Cherryville Fire Department in Cherryville, and volunteered with the Chapel Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Gastonia.
LaCount earned a master’s degree in Loss Prevention and Safety and a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Safety Engineering Technology from Eastern Kentucky University. He also holds an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology Engineering from Gaston College. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. He holds numerous certifications and certificates in the fire and safety field.
A native of North Carolina, LaCount is a member of the Western North Carolina Association of Firefighters, where he served as president in 2023; North Carolina State Firefighters Association; North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs; North Carolina Society of Fire Rescue Instructors; and International Association of Fire Chiefs. He is a previous board member for the United Way of Iredell County.