Ted G. P.

About Ted G. P.

Ted G. Panagiotopoulos is a nationally Certified Fire Protection Specialist and Certified Life Safety Specialist/Health Care, NC Private Investigator, IAAI & NC Certified Fire Investigator, and NC Fire Inspector Currently serves as the Chief Fire Marshal for Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, NC. Over 45 years of fire service and private sector public safety experience. Extensive back ground in fire suppression, fire prevention, loss control, code enforcement, and fire/explosion origin and cause determination. A passion, focus, determination, and unwavering commitment towards public education, effective inspection and investigation methods, and aggressive code enforcement that is consistently measurable. A proven leader who believes in organizational success via task delegation, mentoring, and empowerment of others. Exceptional performance based on principles of character, integrity, and service traditions. A dedicated public safety professional interested in exploring and delivering industry enhancements and organizational structure. Lectures and presents nationally on fire and life safety topics, and has provided training for the NFPA, Campus Fire Safety.org, University of NC (UNC/Charlotte), and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (QUAD A). Forges and nurtures professional relationships with both public and private industry developers, Local, State, and Federal law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, construction professionals, code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, and project consultants. Profound knowledge in the plan review process, fire and life safety codes, requirements for new and existing construction, building renovation, and change of occupancy.

Experience

1. Chief Fire Marshal

   Mecklenburg County

   May 2015 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office is a branch of Mecklenburg County\'s Code Enforcement Division, which operates under the Land, Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Fire Marshal oversees and manages all administrative and operational services of the Fire Marshal’s Office, including fire prevention, fire code enforcement, plan review, fire and explosion origin and cause investigations, public education and community risk reduction programs, and emergency management related functions.The MCFMO is the designated liaison agency for (13) County Fire Departments that service the Towns and the unincorporated areas, not inclusive of the City of Charlotte, which is serviced by the Charlotte Fire Department.The County Fire Marshal is charged with overseeing the Fire Protection Service District budget process and assists the County\'s Fire Departments with their NCDOI/OSFM ISO inspections.We provide services for the Towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Prineville, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson, four of which also have rural districts, and the Charlotte ETJ.The MCFMO partners with local, State and Federal agencies to provide exceptional community response and resource sharing. Current staffing consists of the Chief Fire Marshal,(10) Deputy Fire Marshals, and a Sr. Administrative Support Assistant.Mecklenburg County currently enforces the 2018 North Carolina Fire Code, which is the 2015 edition of the ICC International Fire Code (IFC), with NC amendments. The 2024 NC Fire Code is the 2021 edition of the (IFC), w/NC amendments. The 2024 Fire Code was to become effective on January 1, 2025, but this has been delayed \"indefinitely\" due to various legislative amendments and the State\'s code adoption process.

Education

• University of New Haven

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

• Norwalk Community College

  Associate of Science (A.S.)