The City of Monroe's Fire Chief Ron Fowler was recognized by City Council, his leadership team, City Staff, and his family during a surprise celebration on Monday, August 21. 

Chief Fowler began his service with the City in August 1983 in the Department of Public Safety. Fowler was appointed Chief in 1999 when the Fire Department split from Public Safety, and has been serving in that capacity ever since. 

"We wanted to recognize Chief Fowler's accomplishment for 40 years of dedicated and loyal service to the citizens of Monroe," said Deputy Fire Chief Greg Collins. 

Under Chief Fowler's leadership, the Fire Department has accomplished many significant changes and recognitions including separation from Public Safety, ISO improvement from a class 5 to a class 2, International Accreditation for three terms, and the expansion from three to six fire stations.

During the celebration Chief Fowler was presented with an American flag that flew over the state capitol in Raleigh from Governor Roy Cooper's office, a service recognition plaque from the Monroe Fire Department, and another plaque recognizing his 40 years of service under Monroe Public Safety and the Monroe Fire Department. 

"Thank you to everybody I work with. You all make it really easy," said Chief Fowler. "It has been and is a blessing to serve here. I thank the good Lord for giving me the health and ability to do this. It's been a great 40 years."