Ronnie Hayes
Fire Chief
Chief Hayes has been in the fire service for more than 30 years. He joined Leland Volunteer Fire/Rescue Inc. in 2007 as a Captain, was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2009, then to the rank of Deputy Chief in 2014. In 2017, the volunteer organization merged with the Town of Leland. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Chief. Among other professional accomplishments, Chief Hayes serves as an adjunct Fire, EMS, and FEMA instructor who works with local community colleges, has numerous fire and EMS certifications, and has a bachelor's degree in Disaster Management from Western Carolina University. Chief Hayes currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Eastern Carolina Firefighters Association and has previously served on the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. He is a Columbus County native who has been married for 27 years and has two sons and a granddaughter.
Brian Kelly
Deputy Fire Chief - Support Services
With over 25 years of fire service experience, Brian Kelly serves as the Deputy Fire Chief of Support Services for the Town of Leland Fire Rescue. He is a graduate of Fayetteville State University, a current director on NFPA's International Fire Marshals Association Board of Directors, and a former president of the North Carolina Fire Marshals Association. He has also volunteered on boards with local nonprofits and the Southwest Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Kelly oversees equipment, fleet management, and facilities, ensuring operational readiness and community safety. Married for over 20 years, he has two sons and enjoys cooking and attending sporting events in his free time.
Shelton James
Deputy Fire Chief - Operations
With nearly two decades of experience in the fire service, Shelton James serves as the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations for the Town of Leland Fire/Rescue. He brings a strong academic foundation to his leadership, holding a bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Fire Executive Leadership and Public Administration.
Chief James is a qualified instructor through the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), authorized to teach Firefighter I & II, Emergency Vehicle Driver, and Fire Officer I & II. He actively shares his knowledge by instructing fire service courses at multiple community colleges across the region, helping to shape the next generation of fire service professionals.
In addition to his role in Leland, Chief James also serves as Fire Chief of the Harrells Volunteer Fire Department. In both positions, he is responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring operational readiness, and upholding the highest standards of public safety and service.
Beyond his professional commitments, Chief James enjoys spending time with his wife and children and managing his commercial farming operation.
James Lancaster
Battalion Chief
Chief Lancaster began his fire career at age 14 as a volunteer fireman with Hugo Volunteer Fire/Rescue in Lenoir County. He joined the City of Kinston Fire Department after graduating with degrees in history and psychology from Lenoir Community College and East Carolina University. In 2017, he was hired as a Battalion Chief by Leland Fire/Rescue. He holds numerous advanced certifications and currently oversees the fire apparatus fleet maintenance. While not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son and is an avid outdoorsman and private pilot.
Chris Miranda
Battalion Chief
Chief Miranda began his fire service career in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Mahopac, N.Y. He moved to North Carolina and was hired as a career firefighter in 2008. In 2013, he began volunteering with Leland Fire/Rescue and transitioned to a full-time employee. Chief Miranda has held numerous positions including Firefighter, Engineer, and Company Officer. In 2020, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and is currently assigned to B-Shift. Chief Miranda is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration from Columbia Southern University. He holds numerous advanced certifications including completion of NC Breathing Equipment School. He currently oversees fire apparatus replacement, scheduling, and special operations. Chief Miranda lives in Leland with his wife Kerri and their two boys.
Joe Stavish
Battalion Chief
Chief Stavish began his career in the fire service in 2007 as a volunteer firefighter in Mecklenburg County. He joined the City of Wilmington Fire Department after graduating from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Fire Engineering. During his career with the Wilmington Fire Department, he served as a member of the Hazardous Materials Regional Response Team. In 2017, he was hired as a Captain with Leland Fire/Rescue. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2022. He lives in Wilmington with his wife Whitley, son, and dog Brooklyn.
Beth Evans
Administrative Supervisor
Originally from Roanoke Rapids, Beth moved to Wilmington in 1993 to attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she obtained her Paralegal Certificate. Beth is a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal and worked in the legal profession for more than 20 years before coming to Leland Fire/Rescue in April 2020. She obtained an Accounting and Finance Certificate in May 2021. Beth is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Administrative Professionals. She and her husband Scott live in Wilmington with their two English bulldogs, Amos and Moses.