Darin Needham

– Fire Chief, Lewisville Fire Department (2017-present)

Previous Experience

Began in the fire service at the age of 15 with the Old Richmond Fire Department.  Attended East Carolina University, graduating in 1997 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science – Health and Fitness Concentration.  After graduating ECU, I was employed part-time with Lewisville Fire Department in January 1998.  In June of 1998, I was hired full-time by the Winston-Salem Fire Department.  I served in Winston-Salem from 1998-2017, as a Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Captain, and ultimately Battalion Chief.

I left Winston-Salem, primarily due to an ugly divorce, taking the job of Fire Chief, returning to the department where it all began professionally,  Lewisville.  This allowed me the time I wanted to spend with my children and fulfilled a life-long goal.  Making two major life-changing moves (divorce and career change) within days of one another presented an overwhelming set of challenges.  I used personnel from the Peer Support Team after being unable to make a timely appointment with a mental health professional.  It was at that moment that I knew I needed to be involved and one day return the favor to my peers.

Away from the job, I love to fish, especially fly/surf/kayak fishing, hunt, play guitar, golf, attend concerts and sporting events.