Cy Richardson has been hired to serve as Assistant Chief of Operations for the Sanford Fire Department.
Richardson has more than 27 years of experience in the fire service, starting as a volunteer firefighter at West Sanford Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), which has since merged with Northview Fire and Rescue. He joined Pittsboro Fire-Rescue in 2006 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2016.
As the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Sanford Fire Department, Richardson will manage day-to-day activities and operations, including maintenance of the department’s apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
“I grew up around the fire service,” says Richardson, whose father retired from West Sanford VFD after a 30-year career. “From a junior volunteer firefighter to today, I am honored to serve the Sanford community.”
Richardson, who is a certified North Carolina Fire Officer, Live Burn Instructor, Life Safety Educator, and Fire Investigator Technician, will also play a key role in firefighter development and the department’s upcoming accreditation process.
“We are proud to add Chief Richardson’s experience to our leadership team,” says Fire Chief Matt Arnold. “His deep operational knowledge and long-standing dedication to firefighter education and training make him a great asset to the City of Sanford.”
Richardson began serving in the position on April 21, 2025.