CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (Dec. 29, 2025) – Carteret County has selected William Charles Matthias II to serve as its new Emergency Services Director beginning Jan. 26, 2026, bringing more than 18 years of leadership experience across fire, emergency medical services and ocean rescue operations in coastal North Carolina.
In this role, Matthias will oversee Carteret County’s emergency management, emergency medical services, emergency communications and the Office of the Fire Marshal. The Emergency Services Department coordinates countywide preparedness, response and recovery efforts for natural, technological and man-made disasters, including pandemic events. The department also provides 24-hour emergency medical response, manages the county’s 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center as the primary public safety answering point, and administers fire prevention, inspections, investigations and life safety education programs throughout the county.
Matthias joins Carteret County from his current role as Fire Chief in the Town of Emerald Isle, where he leads a comprehensive emergency services operation that includes fire suppression, EMS and U.S. Life Saving Association-certified ocean rescue services. His experience overseeing a $3.9 million budget, managing a full-time and seasonal workforce, and responding to more than 1,600 calls annually positions him well to lead the County’s Emergency Services operations.
During his time in Emerald Isle, Matthias assisted in guiding the department to achieve an ISO Class 3 rating in 2021, reflecting strong operational performance and community risk reduction efforts. He secured SAFER and Assistance to Firefighters grants to enhance staffing levels and modernize self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. He also implemented data-driven deployment strategies that improved response outcomes across the primary service area and strengthened hazard mitigation and preparedness efforts in a coastal environment.
Earlier in his career, Matthias served as a fire captain and firefighter-EMT with Wildwood Fire & Rescue, where he led structural firefighting operations, extrication and marine rescue responses, while mentoring and training personnel in operational safety and accountability. He began his career with the Emerald Isle Fire Department, supporting both fire and EMS operations.
“William understands what it takes to lead emergency services in a coastal community,” said County Manager Sharon Griffin. “He has hands-on experience, a strong grasp of operations and a leadership style that fits well with our organization. We’re excited to welcome him and look forward to the experience he brings to the County.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve Carteret County,” Matthias said. “Emergency services work depends on preparation, teamwork and trust. I’m looking forward to getting to know the team, listening, and building on the solid foundation already in place.”
Matthias holds a Master of Public Administration in emergency services management and a Bachelor of Science in fire administration from Columbia Southern University, as well as an Associate of Science in fire science. His credentials include North Carolina Fire Officer III, EMT certification, completion of the North Carolina Executive Fire Officer Program, extensive NIMS/ICS training, and U.S. Life Saving Association open water lifeguard instructor certification.
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