A Lifelong Calling and a Captain's Commitment to Charlotte Fire

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire  

When Captain Michael Watts was just 12 years old, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life.  

The moment of realization came while riding in the back of a ladder truck with his father, a firefighter for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. It was a ride-along, a special opportunity for Watts and his younger brother to experience the fire service up close.  

“I know the exact moment I decided I was going to do this,” Watts recalled. “We were riding to a house fire in the back of the ladder truck—my dad on one side, another firefighter on the other. We pulled up to a building with smoke coming out, and people were getting all their lines stretched, getting ready to go in. I thought, ‘This is the job I’m going to do.’”

Fully geared and kneeling before a training scenario, Watts embodies the readiness and resilience demanded by the job.  

The fire turned out to be nothing more than a burnt egg roll in a dorm room, but to 12-year-old Watts, the adrenaline, the teamwork, and the purpose were undeniable.  

It was the start of a career that would eventually lead him to Charlotte Fire, where he now serves as captain of Ladder 1, leading one of the busiest ladder companies in the city.  

Watts’ journey to the fire service wasn’t immediate. At 18, he enlisted in the Army National Guard as a combat medic, serving for six years and deploying to Afghanistan in 2013.

Before joining Charlotte Fire, Michael Watts served as a combat medic in the Army National Guard, an experience that shaped his leadership in the fire service.  

“Public service has always been in my blood,” Watts said. “I’ve done it since I was 18—whether in the military or the fire department. It’s something I strive for.”  

Watts joined Charlotte Fire in 2009, while still serving in the National Guard. His experience in the military helped shape his leadership style—one centered on preparation, discipline, and ensuring his team is ready for anything.  

“There’s a saying I like: ‘You're never going to rise to the occasion; you're always going to fall back on your highest level of training,’” Watts said. “That’s why we train the way we do. That’s what’s going to get you out of a bad situation.”

Captain Michael Watts of Ladder 1 leads his crew through a hands-on training exercise, reinforcing the importance of preparation in high-stakes situations.  

Now a seasoned firefighter with 15 years of experience, Watts sees his role not just as a leader, but as a mentor. He takes pride in guiding younger firefighters, preparing them for the challenges they will face in the field.  

“We train every day,” he said. “One day, it's RIT (rapid intervention team) drills. Another day, it's search drills or throwing ground ladders. At a busy station like Ladder 1, it can be hard to get training in, but we find time—whether it's early in the morning, late at night, or even past midnight.”  

Watts’ crew at Ladder 1 ranges from firefighters with three years of experience to more than a decade on the job. His approach to training varies based on each firefighter’s skill level and experience.  

“For something like forcible entry, I let them go up to the door and force it the way they’ve been trained,” Watts explained. “Then I’ll add in my experiences—things I’ve learned over the years—so they have more tools in their toolbox.” 

Leading from the front, Watts coordinates with his crew during a live training scenario, ensuring efficiency and safety.  

Chief Reginald Johnson emphasized the importance of leaders like Watts in shaping the next generation of firefighters.  

“Strong leadership at the company level is critical to the success of Charlotte Fire,” Chief Johnson said. “Captains like Michael Watts embody what it means to be a leader in this department. He takes his responsibility seriously—not just in responding to emergencies, but in preparing his crew to handle whatever challenges come their way.”

Focused and ready, Captain Watts prepares his team for a tactical drill, reinforcing skills that could one day save lives.  

Ladder 1 is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, a high-demand response area that includes commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and high-rise structures.  

“We have a lot of pedestal-style apartment buildings, which means we have to be well-versed in high-rise operations,” Watts said. “Other companies focus on different challenges—residential fires, airport operations—but our responsibility shifts toward high-rises, commercial buildings, and ventilation strategies.”  

The fast-paced nature of Uptown firefighting means the crew must be sharp and adaptable. Watts takes that responsibility seriously, ensuring his team is not only technically proficient but also mentally prepared.  

“A big part of my job is making sure my firefighters leave here ready for whatever comes next in their careers,” he said. “Whether they stay here, move to another station, or promote up, I want them to be ready. That’s my biggest goal for them.”  

Watts knows that firefighting is more than just responding to emergencies—it’s about the camaraderie and trust built in the firehouse.

Watts listens intently to a crew member, emphasizing his leadership approach of mentorship and open communication.  

“I enjoy the people around me. It’s a family,” he said. “I work really hard to be good at what I do and help my crew become very good at what they do.”  

Chief Johnson echoed that sentiment, noting that strong leaders foster a culture of professionalism and trust within their companies.  

“Being a firefighter isn’t just about putting out fires,” Johnson said. “It’s about mentorship, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure. Captain Watts represents all of those qualities, and his crew is better for it.”

The weight of responsibility is clear as Watts guides his firefighters, preparing them for real-world emergencies.

Now 15 years into his career, Watts reflects on whether firefighting has lived up to the vision he had as a 12-year-old riding in the back of that ladder truck.  

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I moved 480 miles away from home to pursue this career here, and Charlotte Fire has become my home. The people I work with, this family—it makes it all worth it.”  

Watts' dedication to the fire service is evident in the way he trains, leads, and supports his crew. His story is one of perseverance, commitment, and a deep-rooted passion for public service—qualities that continue to shape Charlotte Fire and the firefighters who serve alongside him.  

“Firefighting is about preparing for the unknown,” Watts said. “You never know what’s coming, but if you’ve trained hard and you trust your crew, you’ll be ready for it.” 

Captain Michael Watts stands with his Ladder 1 crew, a team built on trust, skill, and shared commitment to the Charlotte community.