Barrett Penny Named Garner Fire-Rescue's Next Chief

A highly respected and seasoned fire service leader with 27 years of comprehensive experience will become the next chief of the Garner Fire-Rescue Department.

Barrett Penny, who has been serving as the department’s interim chief since March 2025, has been selected to lead Garner Fire-Rescue following a national search. His appointment is effective Jan. 12 with a formal swearing-in ceremony to occur at the Jan. 20 Town Council meeting.

During his tenure as interim chief, he has overseen the finalization of Garner Fire-Rescue's merger with the Town, helping to ensure seamless transfer of assets, personnel and finances over to Garner’s municipal government. He leads a department of 89 staff with a current fiscal year budget of $12.1 million.

“The Town of Garner is very fortunate to have Chief Penny as our next fire chief,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “He has demonstrated his commitment and passion to Garner and the fire service over his past 27 years of service. His leadership skills, work ethic and love for the Fire-Rescue staff make him the right choice to lead the Fire-Rescue Department in the future.”

For Chief Penny, his new role represents the culmination of an impressive career serving his hometown and a nationally accredited fire-and-rescue agency that has grown and evolved to continue meeting the needs of Garner and the surrounding area within its service district.

"I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as the next fire chief of our department," Chief Penny said. “As someone who was born and raised in Garner and has served in every rank within this organization, this opportunity is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

Chief Penny started with Garner Fire-Rescue as a firefighter in 1998 before rising through the ranks as a lieutenant then captain. In 2011, he was promoted to battalion chief and served in that role until 2022 when he was elevated to assistant fire chief. As assistant chief, he supervised six battalion chiefs and led a staff of 78 personnel in emergency and daily operations.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside nearly every member of our department, witnessing firsthand the dedication, professionalism and pride that define who we are,” Chief Penny said. “Together, we’ve built a strong foundation of service, integrity and teamwork, values that will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Chief Penny holds an associate’s degree from Columbia Southern University and is a level 3 fire officer with the state of North Carolina.

He is a member of the Wake County Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. He also serves as a representative on the Wake County Fire Commission.

In 2021, Chief Penny became the first member of Garner Fire-Rescue to earn the Medal of Valor. The recognition was for a swift-water rescue conducted while he was temporarily serving as operations chief for the Clayton Fire Department. He also received the Garner Local Heroes Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and decision-making while commanding high-stress, complex emergency incidents.

“As we begin this next chapter, my commitment is to lead with transparency, collaboration and respect for our shared mission," Chief Penny said. “We are dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our community by building our future on the foundation of our past. The future of this department is bright, and I’m excited for all that we will continue to accomplish together."

To learn more about Garner-Fire Rescue, please visit its website main page.