Mocksville Fire Department Names C.J. Dwiggins as First Full-Time Fire Captain

The Mocksville Fire Department is excited to announce the appointment of C.J. Dwiggins as its first full-time fire captain, marking a significant milestone in the department’s growth. Captain Dwiggins, a second-generation firefighter with nearly 20 years of experience, will oversee the department’s full-time staff and part-time personnel and provide critical support to Fire Chief Frank Carter in both administrative and operational roles.

A New Supervisory Role to Support Department Growth

Chief Carter emphasized the importance of this new supervisory position, which was created by reclassifying a vacant full-time role to add much-needed depth to the department. “It was the right time to build out a first-line supervisor’s role for our paid staff,” Carter said. “As the department grows and progresses, this position will help ensure that the staff has a clear point of contact while also providing me with administrative support to manage daily operations.”

A Wealth of Experience in Firefighting and Rescue Operations

Dwiggins brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked full-time for the cities of Winston-Salem and Charlotte and serving part-time with the Mocksville Fire Department for the past 9 ½ years. Over the last three years, he has held the position of lieutenant and managed the department’s Special Operations Program, where he coordinated heavy rescue, technical rescue, and hazmat responses. He was crucial in developing the department’s Heavy Rescue and Confined Space programs.

A Strong Commitment to Community Growth

In reflecting on his new role, Dwiggins said, “I’ve been very blessed to have good opportunities here. Chief Carter has given us a lot of leeway to build out new programs from the rescue side and enhance our hazmat responses. He has been the driving force behind our progressive and aggressive approach to fire protection, rescue, and hazmat response. We have been fortunate to grow in new areas, and I look forward to being part of that continued growth. The town is expanding, and it’s our job to provide the highest quality services to our citizens as efficiently as possible.”

Education and Credentials: A Well-Qualified Leader

With an associate degree from Forsyth Tech, a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State, and a master’s degree from Arizona State, Dwiggins is well-qualified for the demands of his new position. He holds numerous fire certifications, including NC Fire Officer 4 and NC Fire Instructor, and teaches fire classes at six community colleges across the state. Despite these impressive credentials, he remains grounded in his roots as a lifelong resident of Davie County, where he lives with his wife, Katrina, and their three children, Evee, Lucie, and Jameson. “Lord willing, I don’t plan on going anywhere else,” Dwiggins said.

Camaraderie and Friendship Within the Fire Department

The strong camaraderie within the Mocksville Fire Department was a major factor in his decision to step into this new role. “I’ve known most of these guys all or most of my life. It’s always nice coming to work with some of your best friends who are also outstanding firefighters. That was a comfort factor for me when leaving Charlotte, knowing these guys care so much and are passionate about what they do. It makes my job that much easier. Chief Carter expects us to make the Mocksville Fire Department a little better every day, and that is what we aim to do.”

Chief Carter’s Confidence in Dwiggins’ Leadership

Chief Carter, who has known Dwiggins since childhood, praised his character and dedication. “I’ve watched him grow and mature in the fire service, and I take a little credit for that,” Carter said with a smile. “When you invest in someone and know their thought process and what they want for the department, they become a natural choice to fill this role. We look forward to this position taking us to the next step in our department’s growth.”

Dwiggins is grateful for Chief Carter’s unwavering support. “Growing up, he wanted to be a race car mechanic, but a summer internship at the 911 Center when he was 17 changed his life. He decided he wanted to become a paid firefighter. “When I told my mama, she immediately told me I needed to call Frank Carter. He has been instrumental throughout my career. I love being a fireman. I look forward to great things in the future as we grow the town and the department.” 

A Decade of Growth and What Lies Ahead

The Mocksville Fire Department has evolved significantly in the past decade, growing from no nighttime staffing to providing 24-hour coverage and adding full-time firefighters. “The pace we’ve grown in the last ten years has been amazing,” Dwiggins reflected. “It’s going to be incredible to see what the next ten years will hold as we continue to fill out the framework for the next generation of firefighters.”

A Shared Commitment to High-Quality Service

Both Carter and Dwiggins emphasized the importance of providing the highest quality service possible. While the department values its volunteer firefighters, they recognize that increasing call volumes have made it necessary to add full-time staff. “Our ultimate goal is to support our volunteer fire departments and our neighbors with the best quality firefighters,” Carter said. “We want them to have confidence in knowing that we are well-equipped, well-trained, and well-prepared.”

A Family Atmosphere: Firefighting as a Calling

Dwiggins echoed those sentiments, noting the family atmosphere that sets the Mocksville Fire Department apart from others. “This department, more than any other I’ve worked with, has a family feel,” he said. “If I were to pick up the phone at 2 a.m. and call anyone on this roster, they’d be there. It’s a special place, and I’m honored to be part of it.”