Alex Collazo has been appointed Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction for the Sanford Fire Department.
Assistant Chief Collazo will manage all aspects of fire inspections and codes, as well as lead the fire investigation team, and coordinate education and outreach initiatives to reduce fire risk in Sanford.
“This new role allows Chief Collazo and his team to focus on risk reduction and education while also providing a strategic foundation to meet the needs of our community and our department,” says Fire Chief Matt Arnold.
“As Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction, I hope to increase the safety and well-being of everyone in our community through prevention, education, and outreach,” says Collazo.
Collazo has a long history with the Sanford Fire Department. He joined in March 2006 and was promoted to Inspector two years later. In July 2016, he was appointed Deputy Fire Marshal, serving under now retired Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Ken Cotten.
In 2019, Collazo was recognized as a Hometown Hero by the N.C. Automobile Dealer Association for his service to the community, both on the clock and off. “Collazo’s ability to communicate with Sanford’s diverse population has been crucial in reducing fire risk in our community,” said now retired Fire Chief Wayne Barber at the award ceremony.
Collazo’s leadership in organizing a supply drive for struggling fire departments in Sanford’s Sister City of Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico, was noted in the recognition. He worked with local fire departments and Red Wolf to send 21 air packs and face masks to Mexico using only private donations.
Collazo was promoted to Fire Marshal following Cotten’s retirement.