Charlotte Fire Captain's Corner: Austin Ely Sr.

CAPTAIN'S CORNER: At 6-years-old, Austin Ely Sr. knew that he wanted to be a firefighter. “My parents told me that is all I talked about. It was a true calling for me.” Today, Ely is rides Engine 1 at Firehouse 1. Charlotte Fire captains have one of the most critical jobs in the department. They have the responsibility of training and preparing the next generation of firefighters. “I just feel that my job is to make sure whoever is on the back of the truck goes home,” he said. The passion of firefighting is now a family affair for Ely. His son Austin Ely Jr graduated Charlotte Fire’s recruit training program last week.