FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE1
Anne Little, Director
City of Salisbury Community Engagement
(704) 638-5218
anne.little@salisburync.gov
Salisbury Fire Department Announces Promotions
SALISBURY, N.C. (June 11, 2026) – Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell has announced the promotion of senior firefighters Jake Richardson, Christian Lambis and Michael Freeman to the rank of Captain. Each has a record of dedicated service and a strong commitment to building and maintaining first class firefighter skills. They were selected after successfully completing a rigorous four-part assessment process.
Captain Richardson was hired in January 2019, promoted to Senior Firefighter in August 2020 and to Engineer in January 2023. He received his Rescue Tech Certification in 2022, his Advanced Operations Crew Leader in 2024 and his Hazmat Certification in 2025.
Captain Lambis was hired in January 2021. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in March 2024 and to Engineer in July 2024. He received his Engine and Ladder Technician in 2023, his Advanced Operations Crew Leader in 2024, and his Hazmat Certification in 2025.
Captain Freeman was hired in February 2014. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in 2016 and Engineer in 2018. He received his Engine and Ladder Technician in 2016, his Advanced Operations Crew Leader in 2024, and his Hazmat Certification in 2015.
“The Salisbury Fire Department is incredibly proud of our firefighters and their unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Salisbury,” said Chief Bob Parnell. “We congratulate Richardson, Lambis and Freeman, outstanding individuals who make our department strong and will continue to uphold the highest standards of service and dedication.
For more information contact Community Engagement Director Anne Little at anne.little@salisburync.gov or (317) 446-8543.
The City of Salisbury is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. Salisbury is the county seat of Rowan County, and provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement, fire service protection, zoning and code enforcement and water and sewer systems. For more information regarding the City of Salisbury and its services and departments, please visit us on the web at www.salisburync.gov. To receive updates regarding local initiatives, meetings, programs and events, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC.