The Kannapolis Fire Department is pleased to announce Don Gray has been promoted to Fire Marshal.

Don began his career with the Kannapolis Fire Department as a firefighter in 2012. He joined the Fire Marshal’s office as Assistant Fire Marshal in 2018 and brings a vast amount of education and experience to the position. 

“Don has brought a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the Fire Marshal’s Office, and I am excited to see him advance to the next level. His previous experience in the construction industry, architecture, and the fire service assists him in his daily duties as the fire marshal. He has the work ethic and demeanor to maintain the level of professionalism that our citizens and business leaders expect of this office,” stated Assistant Kannapolis Fire Chief TJ Cook. 

Don holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree in occupational safety from East Carolina University. He is a certified Level III Fire Inspector and an International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician. 

A native of Cabarrus County, Don is married to Leslie, and they have two children, Sydney and Ryley.

He replaces Shane Pethel who recently retired from the Fire Marshal’s position.