Fire Services Staff

Fire Marshal Jacob Thompson

Chief Thompson is originally from Lexington NC. He started his career with the City of Salisbury Fire Department as a firefighter. He was later promoted to the engineer and acting captains roll. He began his career in code enforcement by completing inspections on his day off to assist the city.  He started work at the City of Salisbury's Fire Marshal’s Office. Later he accepted a position with Davidson County as the Deputy Fire Marshal in 2018. Thompson’s primary responsibilities at Davidson County were:

• overseeing the fire investigation program
• assisting with fire department coordination, code enforcement and emergency management

In March of 2021, Thompson was given the opportunity to fill the role of the Fire Marshal of Cabarrus County.

Thompson's Emergency Management associate’s degree is from Forsyth Technical Community College. He also has a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University. His bachelors is in Fire and Emergency Services Administration. Thompson holds certificates in:

• inspections
• firefighting
• HAZMAT
• technical rescue
• leadership
• MAYDAY
• EMT
• Rapid Intervention

Thompson is a certified fire investigator and a graduate of the NC Breathing Equipment School. He serves on the RCCC Fire Protection Technology Advisory Committee. Thompson also serves on the Concord High School Public Safety Academy Advisory Board. He enjoys spending time outside hiking and enjoying his family.

Assistant Fire Marshal Doug Steele

Fire Marshal Steele is originally from Pennsylvania. He has over 40 years of fire service experience. Steele began his career in March of 1976 as a volunteer firefighter. He worked in the same department where his father served as a lieutenant. Steele went into the emergency medical field as a first career. He served 23 years as a paramedic. The last two years he was a flight paramedic with the University of Pittsburg Medical Center. Steele has served in many roles across the years including: 

• Deputy Fire Chief
• Fire Inspector
• Fire Investigator
• Assistant Fire Marshal
• Lead Fire Investigator/ Logistics Officer

Steele began his fire marshal career after moving to NC. He reviewed code compliance construction plans for several large projects in Cabarrus County. Some of these projects include:

• Concord Mills
• Corning
• hotels and restaurants in Concord Mills

Steele sat on the NFPA subcommittee for NFPA 610. He contributed to the creation of the “Guide for Emergency and Safety Operations at Motorsports Venues”. Steele chaired the Cabarrus County Juvenile Fire Setter Taskforce. He holds certifications as a fire inspector, firefighter and fire investigator. Steele obtained an associate’s degree in Safety/ Manufacturing Engineering from Edinboro University. He has a wealth of knowledge. Steele continues to ensure Cabarrus County citizens are protected and safe. His normal duties include fire inspections, fire investigations and public education.

Assistant Fire Marshal Jeremy Eury

Assistant Fire Marshall Eury grew up in Stanly County. He began his career in 1991 with the New London Fire Department and later became a member of the Southside Fire Department as a volunteer. In 1997 Eury began a career as a part-time firefighter with Albemarle Fire Department and then transitioned to full-time in 1999. Eury moved up the ranks with Albemarle Fire Department from Firefighter to Engineer where he conducted company-level inspections and investigations. Eury accepted a position with Cabarrus County in 2020 as a fire captain on Squad 410. In 2023 Eury accepted a position within Cabarrus County Fire Marshal’s office as an assistant Fire marshal. Over the years Eury has earned many certifications including but not limited to:

• NC FF II
• NC Fire Instructor II
• NC Fire Officer II
• NC Fire Inspector II
• NC Basic EMT
• NC Technical Rescue
• NC Airport Firefighter
• Hazmat

In his spare time, Eury works part-time at Midland Fire Department, owns a gunsmithing business and enjoys time with his grandchildren.

Assistant Fire Marshal Ashleigh Ennis

Fire Marshal Ennis is a lifelong resident of Cabarrus County. She began her career in the fire service at the age of 16 as a volunteer firefighter. Ennis earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Pfeiffer University. She then spent 3 years teaching elementary school. In 2016, Ennis began working for Charlotte Fire Department as a telecommunicator. In March of 2022, Ennis joined Cabarrus county as an Assistant Fire Marshal.  Ennis holds a number of certifications including:

• NC Firefighter 1 & 2
• NC EMT
• NC Fire Investigator Technician
• NC Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 3

Ennis is a volunteer firefighter with Rimer Fire Department. She lives in the area with her husband, who is also in the fire service, and son.

Fire Operations Chief Drew Barkley

Chief Barkley is a third-generation firefighter. His career began part-time in 2007. Barkley was with the Rockwell City and Granite Quarry Fire Departments. In that same year, Barkley began working for the City of Kannapolis Fire Department. While with Kannapolis Fire Department Barkley held the rank of Station Captain. He came to work with the Cabarrus County Fire Marshal’s Office in July of 2021. He was selected Operations Chief in January 2022. Barkley has an Associates in Fire Science from Coastal Carolina Community College. He has a Bachelor’s in Fire Administration and Investigations. This degree is from Columbia Southern University. Barkley holds a number of certifications including:

• Advanced Firefighter
• Fire Officer 2
• Qualified Instructor
• Hazmat Technician
• EMT

He has participated in multiple rescue disciplines and completed many leadership courses.

Barkley is still a volunteer firefighter with Rockwell City Fire Department. He is humble and eager. As a student of the fire services, Barkley makes a positive impact in Cabarrus County. A fun fact about him is that he plays the bagpipes.