Selma Fire Chief Sworn In, Two Firefighters Promoted To Captain

SELMA, N.C. – The Selma Fire Department celebrated a changing of the guard and two promotions Thursday night as the town’s new fire chief was officially sworn in and two firefighters were elevated to the rank of captain.

Brannan Barbee, who officially became Selma Fire Chief on Aug. 1, took the oath of office from Mayor Byron McAllister during the Selma Town Council’s regularly scheduled Aug. 6 meeting.

The ceremony also included the promotion and pinning of Justin Godwin and Walt Miller to fire captain.

Barbee told council members he was “humbled and blessed” to have been selected to lead the department.

He thanked former Fire Chief and current Town Manager Phillip McDaniel for his mentorship, saying he has “big boots to fill,” but credited McDaniel with leaving behind a “rock solid foundation” for the department.

Barbee also thanked his family for supporting him throughout his fire service career.

A veteran firefighter with more than 20 years of experience, Barbee joined the Selma Fire Department in 2012 as a fire engineer and steadily rose through the ranks, later serving as captain and assistant fire chief.

Barbee previously served with the Pine Level Fire Department, including six years as fire chief.

Barbee said one of his priorities will be maintaining the department’s high standards while keeping residents at the center of its mission.

“We are the best in the county. We will continue to maintain that,” Barbee said.

He added, “We are here to make your bad days better.”

Chief Barbee said the department will continue emphasizing firefighter training, rapid emergency response, community outreach and a people-first approach to public service.

McDaniel has credited Barbee with helping shape the culture and success of the Selma Fire Department during his years with the organization.

“I look forward to seeing the department work together providing pristine emergency services to the Selma community under Chief Barbee’s leadership,” McDaniel said when Barbee’s appointment was announced.

Barbee has also pledged to build on McDaniel’s 19-year legacy as fire chief while continuing to modernize the department.

“It is a tremendous honor to be the Fire Chief for the Selma Fire Department,” Barbee said following his appointment. “Former Fire Chief Phillip McDaniel’s 19-year legacy built the strong foundation we stand on today, and I am fully committed to leading our dedicated firefighters forward with that same passion, professionalism, and progressive vision.”

Two Firefighters Promoted

The department also recognized Justin Godwin and Walt Miller, both members of Selma Fire since 2019, for their promotions to captain.

Godwin will serve as A Shift Captain. During his career with Selma Fire, he has advanced from firefighter to engineer, lieutenant and now captain.

Miller was promoted to B Shift Captain. He advanced from firefighter to lieutenant before being selected as captain.