Fire chief passes away

Kernersville Fire Rescue Department (KFRD) Chief Walt Summerville passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, of natural causes.
Summerville had been fire chief in Kernersville since 2008. During his tenure as chief, Summerville expanded the KFRD’s child safety seat inspection program, began fire extinguisher training classes for up to 200 people per year, gave support to the Community Appearance Commission effort in painting fire hydrants throughout town, and improved the equipment the fire department uses in response to calls.
He also attained Chief Fire Officer, the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in his chosen profession.
Kernersville Mayor Dawn Morgan described Summerville as a leader who encouraged and inspired those around him.
“Walt Summerville was an outstanding leader of the department and inspired others to work hard and serve the community,” said Morgan. “We will miss him.”
Town Manager Curtis Swisher had seen Summerville earlier Wednesday and was shocked to learn of his passing.
“He was a great colleague, a great chief and a great guy all around,” said Swisher. “Everybody lost a good friend.”