Chief Loren Cone has served as Fire Chief for the Town of Knightdale since 2019, providing strategic leadership to the department responsible for fire prevention, emergency response, and community risk reduction. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, professional development, and community-centered service.
Chief Cone has led the Knightdale Fire Department through a period of rapid community and departmental growth, requiring adaptation to rising service demands. Under his leadership, the department has implemented significant capital improvements, including the addition and replacement of apparatus, and the development of two new state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced safety technology to enhance operational readiness. He has also prioritized organizational growth by expanding staffing levels and strengthening training programs to support long-term public safety and resilience.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the fire service, Chief Cone began his career as a volunteer firefighter and has held various roles across Wake and Durham Counties. Prior to joining Knightdale, he served with the Cary Fire Department for 21 years, including five years as Assistant Fire Chief with oversight of administrative operations and training initiatives.
Chief Cone holds Associate Degrees in Fire Science and Paramedicine, a Bachelor of Applied Science from Campbell University, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a Certificate from the University of North Carolina in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management. He is a certified paramedic and an instructor in both fire and EMS disciplines. He is also a graduate of both the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) and the Municipal and County Administration (MCA) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chief Cone is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE) and holds both the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) credential from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certificate administered by the U.S. Fire Administration.