CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton has announced the hiring of Michael Tatum as the new Fire Marshal. Following a thorough and comprehensive selection process, Tatum emerged as the top candidate, bringing over 14 years of extensive experience in fire code enforcement, planning, emergency management, and investigations.
Tatum’s career has spanned roles in the Pittsboro Fire Department, Lee County, and most recently, as an Assistant Fire Marshal with the Cary Fire Department. During his seven-year tenure in Cary, Tatum was instrumental in managing new construction and mandatory fire inspections and played a critical role in the fire investigations team.
“Our selection process, conducted by North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting, involved 18 candidates from across the nation. Michael excelled in every aspect, demonstrating remarkable technical expertise, forward-thinking, and exceptional interpersonal skills,” said Fire Chief David Ranes. “We are confident that he will be a valuable asset to our team and the Clayton community.”
Tatum holds an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection from Fayetteville Technical Community College and is on track to graduate from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration. His impressive certifications include Level III Fire Inspector, Level II Fire Life Safety Educator, NC State Certified Fire/Arson Investigator, Firefighter II, Level II Fire Officer, Level II Instructor (Firefighter Qualification), Level I HazMat Responder, and FAA UAS Pilot.
In addition to his professional qualifications, Tatum is actively involved in several associations. He chairs the nominating committee of the NC Fire Marshal’s Association, serves on the events committee of the NC Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, and is a member of the NC Firefighter’s Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the National Association of Fire Investigators. He also serves as a peer assessor for the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a training member of the NC Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team.
Tatum will be stepping into the role previously held by Deputy Fire Chief Tony Atkinson, who retired on June 1, after three decades of dedicated service to the Town of Clayton. Tony’s unwavering commitment and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
“I am deeply honored to join the Clayton Fire Department as the new Fire Marshal,” said Tatum. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by Tony Atkinson and working with the dedicated team here to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of fire safety and emergency response.”
An avid outdoorsman, Tatum resides in Sanford with his wife Heather and their four children: Palmer, Georgia Kate, Henry, and Griffin. He will officially begin his duties as Fire Marshal for the Town of Clayton on July 22.
