Apex hires replacement for retiring fire chief

A longtime firefighter from Rocky Mount has been hired as the new fire chief of the Apex Fire Department to replace retiring Chief Mark Haraway, the town said in a news release.

Keith McGee’s hire was announced by the town Friday. McGee began his firefighting career as a high school senior in Wilkesboro. He has been with the Rocky Mount Fire Department since 1991, rising to the position of operations division chief.

“His educational background, work experience, continual training and engaging personality make him a perfect fit as our new chief,” Apex Town Manager Bruce Radford said in the release.

McGee, who was chosen out of 164 nationwide applicants for the job, will start later this month.

“I can’t adequately express the excitement that I feel towards becoming a part of this vibrant community, and working with the men and women of the Apex Fire Department,” McGee said in the release release.

McGee will oversee a departmental budget of $5.4 million, 83 personnel and 25 vehicles, the town said.

Haraway is retiring after more than 30 years in emergency services.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Apex hires replacement for retiring fire chief."