Jan. 27. By Dave Vieser. In a major step towards the transition to a full-time paid fire department, Andrew Bridges of Denver has been named Cornelius’ first full-time deputy chief. Bridges, 44,  was introduced to the commissioners at the Town Board meeting last week. He will receive an annual salary of $117,000.

Andrew Bridges

In 1996,  Bridges began as a volunteer firefighter in Lincoln County, then moved to a career firefighter position with the Denver Fire Dept. in 2007. Ten years later, he became Fire Marshal for Mecklenburg County, specifically serving in the Cornelius area. Concurrently he also served as a part time firefighter in Cornelius.

Quotable

“With Deputy Chief Bridges joining the town full time, it’s a good indication that our transition to a full time department is moving along,” said Mayor Woody Washam. “We have a way to go, but it’s proceeding nicely.”