BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Isler continues fire service career in Rockingham

Although he isn’t a Richmond County native, our Rockingham Fire Chief Harold Isler has made a huge impact on our community since his appointment in 2014 and is the first person of color to hold his position.

A native of Goldsboro, Isler became a firefighter with the Goldsboro Fire Department at the age of 18 in 1997.

He has an associate degree in Communications, a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration and a Master’s in Administration. Additionally, Isler has multiple certifications in fire and rescue, along with more than 25 years experience. Drawing from his extensive education and experience,Isler is a developer and instructor in the Executive Fire Officer Program at Richmond Community College and serves on several boards in the community. Further utilizing his knowledge in fire safety, he is the owner and executive director of a fire extinguisher company, A-1 Fire Extinguisher. 

He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and is married to Dr. Tesha Isler, who also serves in a leadership role in our community as the beginning teacher coordinator for Richmond County Schools. We are so thankful that these Goldsboro natives relocated to Rockingham and shine in so many leadership roles throughout Richmond County. 

In addition to keeping our community safe, Isler has visited most of the schools in our county to educate the youth on fire prevention and other safety measures, as pictured below. 

Join us today, on Isler’s birthday, in celebrating his dedication to our community, making history by being the first person of color to hold his position with the Rockingham Fire Department, his lifelong commitment to public service, and choosing our community to protect! 

Happy Birthday Chief Isler!

Meghann Lambeth is executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority.

(Editor’s Note: Visit Richmond County is highlighting prominent local African Americans each day in February in honor of Black History Month. Previous individuals featured include late Richmond County sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr., late state representative Harrison Ingram Quick, dancer and makeup artist Ciarra Kelley, Ellerbe Mayor Brenda Capel, two-time Super Bowl champion Perry Williams, Bishop Arlester Simpson of Ellerbe, Richmond County School Board member Ronald Tillman, and educator Melvin Ingram. See the Visit Richmond County Facebook page for more on these outstanding individuals.)