Meet the Fire Chief - Thomas Dooley, Jr.
Thomas Dooley Jr. is the Fire Chief of the Morrisville Fire Department. He has over 26 years of experience in fire service and was one of the first four full-time firefighters hired in 1999 when the Town moved away from part-time positions. As Fire Chief, he will guide the department’s long-term plans and lead a dedicated team of Morrisville firefighters.
Town Manager Brandon Zuidema said, “Chief Dooley has been a key leader in the fire department for years, including his recent role as Deputy Fire Chief. Tom’s commitment and passion for the department and the Morrisville community make him the right person to lead our Class 1 ISO accredited Fire Department. I’m proud to appoint him as Fire Chief and look forward to working with him.”
Chief Dooley has held every rank in the department. He strongly supports community involvement and fire safety education and is proud to work with a forward-thinking team.
“I am honored to serve as Fire Chief of the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department,” said Dooley. “This department has a long history of excellence, and I understand the responsibility that comes with this role. Our commitment to the community, firefighters, and staff will always be the top priority.”
Dooley earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Fayetteville State University and holds the Chief Fire Officer credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. His training includes Fire Officer I, II, and III certifications, along with specialized courses in fire prevention, emergency response, and public safety leadership.
Throughout his career, Chief Dooley has received many awards, including Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department’s Officer of the Year in 2011 and 2014. In 2018, he was named Child Passenger Safety Instructor of the Year at the North Carolina Traffic Safety Conference and Expo.
Originally from a military family, Chief Dooley has lived in nine states and values the strong community connections in Morrisville. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and boating on Lake Hickory with his wife, Laurinda, and their son, Jett—a state champion swimmer who attends Miami University in Ohio and hopes to become a U.S. Air Force pilot.
Meet the Deputy Fire Chief - Ben Oswald
Deputy Chief Ben Oswald has served with the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department since 2004. Over the years, he has worked his way up to his current role, where he manages daily operations and makes sure the department provides top-quality emergency response.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration from Fayetteville State University and a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Deputy Chief Oswald is committed to training and leadership development. He believes that preparation and ongoing learning are key to a strong fire service, helping firefighters succeed in emergencies and grow into leadership roles. He works hard to create a culture of teamwork, innovation, and growth to benefit both the department and the community.
Outside of work, Deputy Chief Oswald enjoys spending time with his wife of more than 15 years and their three children. Whether relaxing at the lake or traveling together, he values family time and making lasting memories.
Deputy Chief Oswald is proud to serve the Morrisville community and is dedicated to supporting the department’s mission and building a strong, forward-thinking team.
Meet the Fire Marshal - Charles Eldridge
Fire Marshal Charles Eldridge leads the Town’s fire prevention program and manages fire inspections and safety education.
He began his career in 1979 as a volunteer firefighter with the South Point Volunteer Fire Department in Belmont, N.C. In 1986, he became a full-time firefighter with the Belmont Fire Department, where he later served as shift lead and Fire Inspector. While there, he created the department’s inspection program.
In 1997, he joined the Charlotte Fire Prevention Bureau as a field inspector, gaining experience with new construction and fire suppression systems. In 2000, he moved into plans review for five years before becoming one of five inspectors on the new construction team. Over the years, he has reviewed plans for everything from small renovations to high-rise buildings and malls. He also attended The National Fire Academy to expand his expertise.
In 2007, Marshal Eldridge left the fire service to run a small business. He returned in 2016 as a Fire Inspector for the Town of Cary. Two years later, he joined the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department as Deputy Fire Marshal and was promoted to Fire Marshal the following year.
Today, Fire Marshal Eldridge holds certifications as Fire Inspector Level 3, Fire Life Safety Educator 1, and North Carolina Fire Fighter 2.