Clayton names new fire marshal

CLAYTON — The town has hired Michael Tatum as its new fire marshal.

He brings to Clayton more than 14 years of experience in fire code enforcement, planning, emergency management and investigations.

Tatum’s career has spanned roles with the Pittsboro Fire Department, Lee County and, most recently, the Cary Fire Department, where he was an assistant fire marshal. During his seven-year tenure in Cary, Tatum managed new construction and mandatory fire inspections and played a critical role on the fire investigations team.

Clayton Fire Chief David Ranes said Tatum stood out among the candidates for fire marshal. “Our selection process, conducted by North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting, involved 18 candidates from across the nation,” he said. “Michael excelled in every aspect, demonstrating remarkable technical expertise, forward-thinking and exceptional interpersonal skills.

“We are confident that he will be a valuable asset to our team and the Clayton community.”

Tatum holds an associate’s degree in fire protection from Fayetteville Technical Community College. He is on track to graduate from Fayetteville State University with a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration.

Tatum is a certified fire inspector, fire safety educator, fire and arson investigator, firefighter instructor, hazardous materials responder and drone pilot.

He chairs the nominating committee of the N.C. Fire Marshal’s Association and serves on the events committee of the N.C. Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Tatum is a member of the N.C. Firefighter’s Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Association of Fire Investigators. He also serves as a peer assessor for the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a training member of the N.C. Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team.

Tatum succeeds Deputy Fire Chief Tony Atkinson, who retired on June 1 after three decades of service to the town.

“I am deeply honored to join the Clayton Fire Department as the new fire marshal,” Tatum said. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation laid by Tony Atkinson and working with the dedicated team here to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of fire safety and emergency response.”

An avid outdoorsman, Tatum lives in Sanford with his wife Heather and their four children: Palmer, Georgia Kate, Henry and Griffin. He will begin his duties as fire marshal on July 29.

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