Banks Wallace of Smithfield has satisfied requirements and has now been credentialed as a Fire Marshal from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Wallace completed the process that awards the designation of Fire Marshal (FM). The Commission of Professional Credentialing met on Feb. 5th to confer the designation. Wallace becomes one of only 153 certified fire marshal’s worldwide.
“It is a true honor and humbling experience in my life and professional journey and with reflection I acknowledge this was only possible through the support of my peers and family,” Wallace said. “To name one is to name many. So to the many who have taught me, guided me, and given me insight and even tough love, I thank you. I hope to continue my professional growth and one day display the level of leadership and mentoring to which I have been extended.”
The Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan.
The Fire Marshal designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued professional growth, community involvement and professional conduct.
Wallace began his tenure in emergency services as an EMT with Smithfield EMS in 2001. He later joined the Smithfield Fire Department as one of the first dual members of Fire and EMS.
After graduating from Mount Olive College with a B.S in Biology, he joined Cary Fire Department as a full-time firefighter 2010. In 2013, he was hired as an Assistant Fire Marshal with Johnston County Emergency Services and promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal in 2017. In 2018, he took a similar position in Harnett County as Chief Deputy Fire Marshal where he is currently employed.
Banks still volunteered with the Smithfield Fire Department until 2016 and worked as a part-time telecommunicator at the Johnston County E911 Center until 2018.
Banks is a 2002 graduate of Smithfield Selma High and an Eagle Scout. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield and coached various recreation leagues where his children are involved.
He is a member of the NC Arson Investigators Association, NC Fire Chiefs Association, International Arson Investigators Association, NC Fire Marshals Association Member and Audit Committee. and National Arson And Fire Investigators.
Banks is married to his wife, Kaitlyn, who has made a career in law enforcement. They have three children.
