SALISBURY — Salisbury Fire Chief Robert Parnell announced two promotions this past week: Cory Orbison and James “Jay” Adams as battalion chiefs.

Orbison has more than 30 years of fire service experience and joined the Salisbury Fire Department in 2003. Before that, he began his career volunteering with South Salisbury Fire Department in 1988 and he served at all levels and ranks, including fire chief.

Orbison is a graduate of South Rowan High School and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College with an associate degree in fire protection technology. He has also completed many North Carolina certifications. Orbison lives in Salisbury with his wife, Michelle, and they have two children, Hannah and Caleb, and two grandchildren. He will be assigned to “A” shift as the shift commander.

Adams was selected to fill the shift commander position on “B” shift. Adams is a graduate of North Rowan High School and Columbia Southern University, earning a bachelor’s degree in fire science. He also has completed numerous North Carolina certifications. Adams, originally from Spencer, returns to Salisbury after a 25-year career with the Charlotte Fire Department, most recently serving as a captain.

Adams has also previously served with Concord Fire and Newell Fire after beginning his career locally with the Ellis Cross Country Fire Department. Adams’ mother is still a resident of Spencer and he is looking forward to relocating back to the Salisbury area soon from Charlotte.