Pender County names Bruce M. Tucker Division Chief of Fire, strengthening unified Emergency Services leadership ahead of his Aug. 3, 2026 start.
Pender County has appointed Bruce M. Tucker as Division Chief of Fire for Pender County Emergency Services. Selected through a competitive recruitment process, Tucker’s appointment supports the continued development of the county’s newly unified Emergency Services department, which brings together Pender EMS and Fire, Penderlea Fire, Pender County Emergency Management, and the Pender County Fire Marshal’s Office under one organization. Tucker’s first day with the Emergency Services leadership team is scheduled for August 3, 2026.
Tucker joins Pender County from the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue in Northern Virginia, a large combined career-and-volunteer system serving one of the most populous counties in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. As a Battalion Chief, he has led emergency response and incident management for structure fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. His responsibilities include supervising approximately 50 to 65 career personnel per shift staffing multiple engine companies, truck companies, rescue companies, medic units, and ambulances, along with oversight of 15 to 30 volunteer personnel. That experience aligns with Pender County’s goal of strengthening coordination between career and volunteer fire service operations.
With more than 30 years in the fire service, Tucker has served as both a volunteer and career firefighter.
Since joining Prince William County in 1996, he advanced through the ranks from firefighter and paramedic to Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. His assignments have included work with engine and truck companies, medic units, and communications, as well as roles in health and safety, EMS training, and recruit development. He also served as Basic and Advanced Training Captain, helping prepare new recruits and support ongoing professional development for experienced personnel.
Tucker holds a wide range of fire, EMS, and technical rescue credentials, including Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor III, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He also maintains technician-level certifications in rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, and Vehicle Rescue II. In addition, he is a Virginia-certified EMT-Paramedic, a certified driver pump and aerial operator, and has completed National Incident Management System training.
Outside of emergency services, Tucker has been active in community involvement through coaching youth sports and organizing charity events that benefit local and national causes. He has emphasized a leadership approach focused on supporting personnel and delivering high-quality service to residents.
Tucker earned a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration from Columbia Southern University and an associate degree in Fire Science Technology from Northern Virginia Community College. In the coming weeks, he plans to visit fire stations across Pender County, meet with volunteer departments and community partners, and work with Emergency Services leadership to support a smooth transition while keeping service to residents a top priority.
