Carteret County announced Monday that Emerald Isle Fire Chief William Charles “Billy” Matthias II has been selected to serve as the county emergency services director, effective Jan. 26, 2026.
Matthias, who has been the Bogue Banks town’s fire chief since September 2023, began his firefighting career in 2003 as a volunteer at the Swansboro Fire Department, and later joined the Nags Head Fire Department. Matthias also served as a fire captain and firefighter-EMT with Wildwood Fire & Rescue, now part of the Morehead City department, where he led structural firefighting operations, extrication and marine rescue responses, while mentoring and training personnel in operational safety and accountability. He became a full-time member of the Emerald Isle department in November 2006.
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In Emerald Isle, Matthias leads an emergency services operation that includes fire suppression, EMS and U.S. Life Saving Association-certified ocean rescue services.
County officials pointed to his experience overseeing a $3.9 million budget, managing a full-time and seasonal workforce, and responding to more than 1,600 calls annually as positioning him well to lead the county’s Emergency Services operations, county officials said in the announcement.
“William understands what it takes to lead emergency services in a coastal community,” said County Manager Sharon Griffin. “He has hands-on experience, a strong grasp of operations and a leadership style that fits well with our organization. We’re excited to welcome him and look forward to the experience he brings to the County.”
In his new role, Matthias will oversee Carteret County’s emergency management, emergency medical services, emergency communications and the Office of the Fire Marshal. The Emergency Services Department coordinates countywide preparedness, response and recovery efforts for natural, technological and man-made disasters, including pandemic events. The department also provides 24-hour emergency medical response, manages the county’s 911 Emergency Communications Center as the primary public safety answering point, and administers fire prevention, inspections, investigations and life safety education programs throughout the county.
During his time in Emerald Isle, Matthias assisted in improving the department’s ISO rating to Class 3 in 2021, secured grants to enhance staffing levels and modernize self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. He also implemented data-driven deployment strategies that improved response outcomes across the primary service area and strengthened hazard mitigation and preparedness efforts in a coastal environment, according to the announcement.
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“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve Carteret County,” Matthias said in a statement. “Emergency services work depends on preparation, teamwork and trust. I’m looking forward to getting to know the team, listening, and building on the solid foundation already in place.”
Matthias holds a Master of Public Administration in emergency services management and a Bachelor of Science in fire administration from Columbia Southern University, as well as an associate’s degree in fire science. His credentials include North Carolina Fire Officer III, EMT certification, completion of the North Carolina Executive Fire Officer Program, extensive NIMS/ICS training, and U.S. Life Saving Association open water lifeguard instructor certification.
