Captain Alex Gordon's Family Legacy in Charlotte Fire

Captain Alex Gordon leads Recruit Class 130 through their training, instilling the skills, discipline, and teamwork they need to serve with Charlotte Fire. His leadership continues a family legacy of dedication to the fire service.  

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire  

Charlotte Fire Training Captain Alex Gordon carries a deep sense of pride and responsibility in shaping the next generation of firefighters. As the leader of recruit class 130, he is not just training firefighters—he is molding the future of Charlotte Fire, one recruit at a time.  

For Gordon, this role is more than a job—it is a legacy. Firefighting runs in his blood. His family has a long history of service within Charlotte Fire. His father, Deputy Chief (retired) Kevin Gordon, dedicated his career to the department. His uncle, Battalion Chief (retired) Brent Gordon, also served with distinction. His brother, Captain Zachary Gordon, and cousin, Firefighter AJ Gordon, continue the tradition alongside him.

A proud firefighting family: Firefighter AJ Gordon, Battalion Chief (retired) Brent Gordon, Deputy Chief (retired) Kevin Gordon, Captain Zachary Gordon, and Captain Alex Gordon, continuing a legacy of service in Charlotte Fire.  

“My dad and uncle both had long careers here, and I saw how much they cared about this job,” Gordon said. “Being around that growing up, I wanted to be part of it too.”  

That sense of purpose led Gordon to join Charlotte Fire in 2013, where he worked his way through the ranks. Now, as a training officer, he stands in front of a new generation of recruits, guiding them as they prepare for a career in the fire service.  

His leadership is built on more than experience—it is rooted in compassion. He understands that recruits come from different backgrounds, some with prior experience, others with none at all. His approach is to challenge them while also supporting them, ensuring that they are not only physically prepared but mentally and emotionally ready for the realities of the job.

Captain Alex Gordon, fully geared, prepares for another hands-on training session, ensuring recruits are ready for the demands of the job.  

“This job isn’t easy, and it’s not supposed to be,” Gordon said. “It takes a certain kind of person to push through exhaustion, to stay sharp under pressure, and to always be there for your team.”  

Gordon recalls his own time in the training academy, remembering the moments that shaped him. He talks about the days when exhaustion set in but camaraderie pulled him through, the long nights of studying for exams, and the early morning drills that tested his resilience.  

“I remember thinking, ‘This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,’” he said. “But every challenge I faced back then prepared me for the moments on the job that really mattered. Now, I try to give that same experience to the recruits—one that will push them, shape them, and ultimately make them ready for the career ahead.”

After an intense training evolution, Captain Alex Gordon takes a moment to connect with a firefighter, reinforcing the values of resilience and teamwork.  

Today, recruit class 130 graduates, ready to take on the responsibility of protecting Charlotte. Gordon watches proudly as they take the next step in their careers, knowing the lessons they learned in the academy will stay with them for a lifetime.  

“I want them to know this isn’t just a job—it’s a team,” Gordon said. “The people you work with become your family, and you have to be able to count on each other every single day.”  

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson recognizes the invaluable role Gordon plays in the department.  

“Captain Gordon represents the best of Charlotte Fire,” Chief Johnson said. “His experience and leadership ensure that recruits not only learn the skills they need but also understand the dedication it takes to serve this community.”

Recruit Class 130 lines up outside the burn building, ready to apply the skills they've learned under the leadership of Captain Alex Gordon.  

Beyond training, Gordon emphasizes personal growth. He pushes his recruits to not only be strong firefighters but strong individuals. He reminds them that the work they do will extend far beyond the firehouse.  

“You’ll be responding to people on the worst day of their lives,” Gordon said. “It’s not just about putting out fires—it’s about being a source of calm and strength when people need it most.”

A moment of reflection—Captain Alex Gordon stands in front of the training tower, embodying the legacy of Charlotte Fire.  

As recruit class 130 officially joins the ranks today, Gordon reflects on his hopes for them. He wants them to be prepared, but more importantly, he wants them to understand the weight of the responsibility they now carry.  

“When they leave here, I hope they keep pushing themselves to be better every day,” Gordon said. “This job will test them in ways they can’t predict, but if they remember their training and look out for each other, they’ll be ready.”

The Recruit Class 130 flag waves as recruits gather, marking the culmination of months of dedication and hard work.  

Gordon also reflects on his own journey in the fire service and how it has shaped him.  

“When I started, I was young—barely 21. Over the years, this job has challenged me in ways I never expected,” he said. “It’s made me grow as a firefighter, as a leader, and as a person. I’ve learned that it’s not just about responding to calls—it’s about always striving to be better, to be ready, and to be there when someone needs you.”

Captain Alex Gordon sits with recruits, offering wisdom and guidance as they prepare to enter the fire service.  

As the newest members of Charlotte Fire begin their journey today, they do so with Gordon’s lessons ingrained in them. His dedication to training goes beyond teaching skills—it is about building character, instilling resilience, and ensuring that each new firefighter understands the honor of wearing the Charlotte Fire uniform.  

One class at a time, one recruit at a time, Gordon continues to shape the future of Charlotte Fire, carrying forward the legacy that once inspired him.

Recruit Class 130 stands together, marking the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that have brought them to this moment. Their journey has prepared them to step into the fire service with confidence and commitment.

If you’re ready to take on the challenge and join Charlotte Fire, learn more about the application process here: