Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch has announced he will retire from the City’s fire department effective May 1, 2026. Welch has served as Fire Chief for the City of Gastonia Fire Department since March 2009. In that role, he leads 145 full-time firefighters and staff across eight fire stations. In a memo sent to the members of the department, Chief Welch expressed his gratitude for the dedication, professionalism, and camaraderie they have shared throughout the years.