Allyson Summitt has been promoted to deputy chief of Rowan County Emergency Services, a decision announced on Wednesday that acknowledges her more than two decades of dedicated service in emergency response and public safety. This new role places her at the forefront of efforts to enhance community preparedness and coordination in managing complex emergencies.
Extensive Experience in Emergency Management
Summitt has held significant planning and operational leadership positions within Rowan County Emergency Services, where her focus has been on fostering collaboration among various service providers. Her approach emphasizes the necessity of coordination across fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, and emergency management to effectively tackle today’s large-scale incidents.
Her career in emergency services began in 2004 in Catawba County, where she first discovered her passion for community service during emergencies. Over the years, Summitt has broadened her expertise across multiple disciplines, including fire service, public information, and emergency management, thus building a comprehensive background in both operational response and public safety leadership.
Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in initiatives to enhance readiness for incidents of active violence, fire prevention, technical rescue, and hazardous materials emergencies. These roles often require extensive coordination across different jurisdictions and disciplines, underscoring the importance of her experience.
Leadership and Future Responsibilities
In her new position as deputy chief, Summitt will oversee leadership and operational functions at Rowan County Emergency Services. She will support coordination efforts among the county’s EMS, Fire, and 9-1-1 Communications divisions. Additionally, she will lead the county’s emergency management program, ensuring preparedness, planning, and response strategies align with local agencies and state and federal partners.
Summitt will also manage the administrative functions of the Rowan County Rescue Squad, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and industry standards for specialized emergency response services. This role is pivotal in strengthening the county’s capacity to handle complex, multi-agency incidents effectively.
She holds a master of public administration in emergency services management and a bachelor of science in fire administration, with a concentration in fire investigation. Her qualifications are further supported by numerous certifications in emergency management, incident command, fire inspection, and public information operations.
“With Summitt stepping into the deputy chief role, Emergency Services continues to strengthen its leadership team and commitment to preparedness, ensuring the community remains ready to respond to both natural disasters and complex public safety incidents,” said TJ Brown, Emergency Services Chief.
Summitt resides in Rowan County with her husband, Greg Summitt, and their five-year-old son. The support from her family has been an essential element of her long career in public service, highlighting the personal dedication that accompanies her professional achievements.
