Chief James Lea serves as a Battalion Chief with the City of Spartanburg Fire Department, where he is responsible for commanding complex emergency incidents, supervising company officers, and overseeing staffing, budgeting, training, and safety initiatives. In addition, he serves as a Resident Fire Instructor with the South Carolina Fire Academy, providing instruction at the firefighter, officer, and command levels. His commitment to education reflects a firm belief that effective leadership is fundamental to organizational excellence and firefighter safety.
A graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, Chief Lea holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration and is pursuing graduate studies in Fire Administration. His professional contributions include participation in national fire service research initiatives with NIST and UL, focusing on modern fire behavior, suppression tactics, and firefighter survivability.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Chief Lea is actively engaged in community service. He serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of The Charles Lea Center, where he has chaired multiple committees and currently leads the $7.4 million Lake Blalock Nature Preserve Project, which supports individuals with disabilities through sustainable community development.
As Southeastern Director, Chief Lea is committed to fostering member engagement, supporting EFO candidates and graduates, and promoting effective communication across the region. He is honored to offer his experience and service in support of the EFO Section and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.