Captain Battle’s Journey from Combat Medic to Mentor at Firehouse 27

Captain Tremayne Battle stands confidently in front of Engine 27 at Firehouse 27, a testament to his leadership and commitment to service.  

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire  

Capt. Tremayne Battle’s path from the foothills of Asheville to the bustling streets of Charlotte stands as a testament to a lifetime devoted to service, leadership and community. Now commanding Engine 27 at Firehouse 27, Battle draws upon a diverse background that spans military service, corporate America and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others.  

Born and raised in Asheville, N.C., Battle learned early the value of hard work and the importance of community. “Growing up in a small town taught me that everyone has a role to play,” he said.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a combat medic from October 1996 until July 2000. Those years in uniform not only honed his ability to act decisively under pressure but also instilled in him a deep sense of duty—a quality that would later define his approach as a firefighter.

Captain Battle demonstrates essential firefighting techniques during field standpipe training at an apartment high-rise, showcasing his commitment to excellence and hands-on leadership.  

After leaving the military, Battle sought to expand his horizons academically and enrolled at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where he earned a degree in political science. Though he once entertained the possibility of attending law school, a desire to make an immediate, tangible difference in people’s lives led him away from the legal realm.  

Instead, Battle ventured into the corporate world, managing a terminal for a major shipping company. The long, grueling work weeks—often from Tuesday through Saturday—took their toll, leaving him with little time to nurture the personal connections he valued. A subsequent position in a pharmacy only deepened his yearning for a career that blended action with impact.

A portrait of dedication: Captain Tremayne Battle at Firehouse 27, always vigilant and ready to serve.  

That turning point came unexpectedly after an impassioned recruitment speech extolling the virtues of firefighting. “At first, I thought, ‘Are you crazy? Running into burning buildings?’” Battle recalled with a wry smile. In 2009, he answered the call by joining Charlotte Fire as part of Recruit Class 83—a decision he now regards as transformative.  

Over the years, Battle’s dedication and natural leadership have propelled him through the ranks. In 2022, he transferred to Firehouse 27, where he now leads Engine 27 alongside a committed crew that includes Engineer Davon Hood and Firefighters Jordan Neely and Tyre Glasper. For Battle, the firehouse is more than just a workplace—it is an extended family. “Every member of my crew is like family,” he said. “I see it as my duty to ensure that when the day is done, each one of us goes home safely to the people who matter most.”

Captain Battle in full gear, embodying the bravery and resilience essential to a firefighter's life at Charlotte Fire.  

Battle’s leadership style is defined by his belief in teamwork and his commitment to building a strong, cohesive unit. Recognizing that each firefighter has a unique way of learning, he employs a blend of hands-on demonstrations and open discussions during training sessions. “I have the final say, but I want my crew to contribute, to learn and to grow,” he explained. “When you work together and value each other’s input, you build a team that can face any challenge.” His approach not only sharpens technical skills but also instills life lessons that extend far beyond the fireground.  

The impact of Battle’s mentorship is clear in the way his crew operates. In a line of work where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, his emphasis on continuous training and shared decision-making has fostered a culture of mutual trust. “There have been calls where our unity really made all the difference,” he said. “When we support each other, even the most challenging situations become opportunities to learn and grow.” That spirit of camaraderie and trust is evident in every drill and every emergency response, reinforcing the bond that turns colleagues into family.

Reflective moment for Captain Battle, demonstrating the contemplative side of a firefighter's duty and the weight they carry.  

Fire Chief Reginald Johnson has been effusive in his praise for Battle’s approach. “Captain Battle exemplifies the very best of Charlotte Fire,” Johnson said. “His dedication to training his crew and his relentless drive to serve our community set a standard that inspires us all.” The fire chief’s words echo throughout the department, reinforcing the notion that Battle’s leadership extends far beyond managing emergencies—it is about creating an environment where every firefighter feels valued and empowered.  

A typical day for Battle begins long before the sun rises. He starts with a meticulous review of the training schedule, ensuring that every exercise—whether a simulation or a live drill—is treated with the seriousness of an actual emergency. “I don’t take any situation lightly,” he said. “Every drill is an opportunity to reinforce protocols and prepare for the unexpected.” This commitment to rigorous training reflects his core belief that preparedness is the best defense against the unpredictable nature of emergencies.

Captain Tremayne Battle with his team in front of their fire truck, a symbol of readiness and communal strength.  

Battle’s journey from combat medic to captain has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation. His experiences in the military taught him to remain calm under pressure and make rapid, decisive decisions. His time in corporate America, though challenging, provided lessons in efficiency, discipline and the importance of working within a team. And his transition into firefighting allowed him to integrate those lessons into a career that is as demanding as it is rewarding.  

Reflecting on his career, Battle remains humble. “Every experience I’ve had—from my days in the Army to managing a shipping terminal—has contributed to who I am today,” he said. “I was raised to help, and every day I get to live that truth.” His journey is not just a personal evolution; it is a continuous commitment to service, both within the fire department and in the community at large.  

Looking to the future, Battle is determined to mentor the next generation of firefighters. He is particularly focused on those within his own crew who dream of rising through the ranks. “I have three guys on my truck who are already seasoned veterans and who aspire to be captains one day,” he noted.

A dynamic trio at Firehouse 27: Firefighters Tyre Glasper, Davon Hood, and Jordan Neely ready to respond with precision and unity.

Focused and alert, Engineer Davon Hood represents the preparedness and dedication that Firehouse 27 instills in its crew.  

“I want to give them more than just firefighting skills—I want them to carry with them life lessons, a sense of duty and the importance of always looking out for one another.” This vision of mentorship and legacy drives every decision he makes, ensuring that the values he holds dear are passed on to future leaders.  

Under his leadership, Engine 27 is not only known for its technical proficiency but also for its strong sense of unity. In the unpredictable world of firefighting, where each day can bring new challenges, Battle’s calm, confident presence offers a beacon of stability. His ability to inspire his crew—to treat each call as an opportunity to learn, to adapt and to grow—is a hallmark of his tenure at Firehouse 27. 

Firefighter Tyre Glasper, poised and prepared, exemplifies the rigorous training and commitment of Charlotte’s bravest.   

Firefighter Jordan Neely stands proudly in front of Firehouse 27, his commitment to community and courage underlined by the bright skies of the Queen City.   

As the city of Charlotte continues to evolve, so too does its commitment to safety and community service—a commitment embodied by leaders like Capt. Tremayne Battle. His story is one of transformation, from a young man driven by a desire to serve to a seasoned captain whose guidance and mentorship have made a lasting impact on his crew and the community. His legacy is measured not in accolades but in the lives he touches and the strength of the bonds he fosters.  

In a world often marked by uncertainty, Captain Battle’s enduring dedication to training, his innovative leadership and his passion for giving back ensure that the spirit of service burns brightly in Charlotte. “Every call, every drill, every moment on the firehouse floor is a life lesson,” he said. “I want my crew to take that with them—not just as firefighters, but as compassionate, responsible members of our community.”

In the thick of action, Captain Tremayne Battle reflects the intensity and focus required during a firefight, with every call demanding his unwavering attention.  

For Captain Tremayne Battle, the journey is far from over. Each day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity to lead by example and to continue building a legacy founded on courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to service. As dusk falls over Charlotte and the lights of Firehouse 27 shine steadily into the night, they serve as a reminder that while the challenges of tomorrow may be unpredictable, the dedication of leaders like Battle remains a constant source of strength and inspiration.  

Through his tireless efforts—both in the field and within the community—Captain Battle is not only shaping the future of Charlotte Fire but also reaffirming the belief that true service is measured by the positive impact one has on the lives of others. With every emergency response, every training session and every community outreach event, he reinforces a simple yet profound truth: when people come together in service, they build not just a safer city, but a stronger, more connected community.

Captain Tremayne Battle poised and composed, outside Firehouse 27. A picture of leadership and steadfast service in the heart of Charlotte.  

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