A New Chapter for Forsyth Emergency Services: Donnie Lawrence, A Leader Forged in Decades of Dedication

A new era, you might say, has dawned for Forsyth County's vital emergency services. After months of dedicated interim leadership, and really, decades of groundwork, the county officially welcomed Donald 'Donnie' Lawrence to the permanent helm as its Director of Emergency Services this past Monday. It’s a significant moment, wouldn’t you agree, for a department so crucial to the well-being of our community.

For those who’ve been paying attention, Lawrence isn’t exactly a new face—not by a long shot. He stepped into the interim role back in November 2022, quietly, efficiently guiding the ship after Gary Styers, a respected figure, retired. But his connection to Forsyth County's emergency operations runs far, far deeper than that. Honestly, it's a testament to dedication: a remarkable 32-year journey through the ranks, a career steeped in the very essence of public safety.

Imagine, if you will, starting as a volunteer firefighter way back in 1991. That's where Donnie Lawrence began, planting the seeds of what would become a lifelong calling. He joined Forsyth County directly in 2002, not just as a fresh face, but as a paramedic, ready to dive headfirst into the critical moments of people's lives. From there? Well, it’s a story of consistent ascent: paramedic supervisor, then operations manager, and eventually, division chief of operations. For five years, he even served diligently as deputy director right alongside Styers, soaking up the institutional knowledge, learning the ropes from every angle. You could say he's seen it all, from the ground up.

And now, in this pivotal leadership position, Lawrence isn't just content to maintain the status quo. No, he's got a clear vision, one that acknowledges the complex, ever-evolving nature of emergency services today. His agenda is robust, thoughtful even: he's keen on fostering even stronger bonds with local partners—because, in truth, collaboration is everything in this field. He’s also sharply focused on the thorny issues of recruitment and retention, a challenge, let’s be honest, that many essential services face these days. Modernizing systems, upgrading equipment—these are high on his list, naturally. But perhaps most importantly, he’s deeply committed to staff wellness, recognizing that the folks on the front lines need unwavering support to do their incredibly demanding jobs.

It's worth noting, too, that Lawrence brings not just street-level experience but also a solid academic foundation to the role. He earned his bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Gardner-Webb University and later, a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Quite the impressive resume, isn’t it? When he’s not navigating the intricate demands of county-wide emergency planning, he’s a family man, married with two children. A well-rounded individual, ready to lead Forsyth County's emergency services into its next chapter, with a steady hand and, crucially, a human touch.