FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Nominations for Fire Chief of the Year are submitted by peers to the North Carolina Fire Chiefs' Association towards the end of the year. The winner is announced after a weekend conference in February during a semi-formal dinner.

"I was very humbled and excited," said Melvin, "I am just here to help people."

Because of Melvin's efforts, the Fort Bragg Fire Department helped get Operation Medicine Drop under way, which resulted in more than 200,000 doses of pills being collected in a two and a half year period. He also began the Child Safety Seat Program. Fort Bragg now has more than 40, certified child passenger safety seat technicians checking and installing 300 seats per year.

"Mark's career has been marked with distinction and significance and definitely serves as a leadership example for other to follow," said William E. McCammitt, deputy fire chief on Fort Bragg.

Melvin is working towards Fort Bragg being the first large- scale Army fire department to receive accreditation through the Center of Public Safety Excellence. He also lends a helping hand to other fire departments by conducting pre-inspections for the Insurance Safety Office, which leads to improved ratings for those departments.

"Due to his law enforcement background, he keeps the entire chief's (society) abreast of new laws and initiatives critical to the fire, rescue, and EMS (Emergency Medical Service)," said Ronnie Marley, vice president of the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs' Association.

Melvin has been serving for 30 years and has been a fire chief for 17 of those years.