PENDER COUNTY — Under its newly established Pender County Emergency Services Department, Pender County has hired a new leader for its team as it restructures the county’s public safety operations.
Bruce M. Tucker will become the division chief of fire and will oversee the department, now enveloping Pender County EMS and Fire, Penderlea Fire, Pender County Emergency Management, and the Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office together under a single organization.
Tucker will start on Aug. 3, 2026.
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He hails from northern Virginia’s Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, a combination career-and-volunteer system serving one the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Tucker is experienced in response and management of emergency incidents — such as structure fires and medical emergencies to hazardous materials releases and technical rescues. He oversaw a staff of 50 to 65 career personnel per shift, six engine companies, three truck companies, rescue companies, medic units, and ambulances. Plus, he worked with 15 to 30 volunteer personnel.
He spent three decades as both a volunteer and career firefighter, having worked in Prince William County since 1996 through the ranks from firefighter and paramedic to Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. He hold numerous emergency personnel certifications and is a Virginia-certified EMT-Paramedic, a certified driver pump and aerial operator, and has completed National Incident Management System training.
“Maintaining and building a highly professional, effective emergency services agency which is exactly the environment we’re building here,” Pender County Manager Colby W. Sawyer said in a release. “Just as important, Bruce leads with his people in mind. He believes that when you take care of your members, they take better care of the community, and that mindset fits this department and this county. He’ll be a tremendous addition to Director Sauer’s team.”
Aside from his work in community service, Tucker also has coached local youth sports and organized charity events.
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