Wallace Appoints Interim Fire Chief and Assistant Following Staffing Concerns

Town contracts with neighboring department to ensure uninterrupted service during transition.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:04am

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The Town of Wallace, North Carolina has reorganized its volunteer fire department, appointing a new interim fire chief and assistant chief at an emergency town council meeting. The town has also temporarily contracted with the neighboring Teachey Volunteer Fire Department to ensure uninterrupted fire service during the transition, as the department has faced ongoing personnel issues affecting morale and staffing.

Why it matters

Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of many small communities, and staffing challenges can significantly impact public safety. Wallace's proactive approach to address these issues and ensure continuity of fire services is an important move to protect its residents.

The details

Wayne Rich, a retired Wallace volunteer firefighter with decades of service, was appointed as the interim fire chief. Archie Carter, with 49 years of experience with the department, was appointed as the assistant fire chief. The fire department remains a town department and continues to operate using volunteers, with the town's fire administrator also remaining in place.

  • The town council held an emergency meeting on Monday to make the appointments.
  • The town anticipates returning to full staffing capacity within days.

The players

Rob Taylor

The Town Manager of Wallace, North Carolina.

Wayne Rich

A retired Wallace volunteer firefighter with decades of service, appointed as the interim fire chief.

Archie Carter

A 49-year veteran of the Wallace fire department, appointed as the assistant fire chief.

Teachey Volunteer Fire Department

The neighboring fire department that the Town of Wallace has contracted with temporarily to ensure uninterrupted fire service during the transition.

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What they’re saying

“Ongoing personnel issues had been going on for some time, affecting morale and hollowing out our volunteer corps. Volunteers are the heart and soul of all fire departments, especially here in Wallace. With the retirement of the previous chief and many looking to leave, council made the decision to step in and take a more proactive approach.”

— Rob Taylor, Town Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This reorganization of the Wallace volunteer fire department highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate staffing and morale in small-town emergency services, and the need for proactive leadership to address these challenges before they significantly impact public safety.