Hayes rejoins SCC staff as new Associate Dean of Public Safety

Ronnie Hayes, a Columbus County native from the Bethel community and retired fire chief, is Southeastern Community College’s new Associate Dean of Public Safety. As the head of public safety, his main responsibilities are to oversee the short-term training classes in fire, EMS and law enforcement, expand the newly established curriculum programs in EMS and public safety administration and assist each division’s directors and coordinators. 

“With Brian Nelson overseeing the Fire Academy, Bobby Worley directing the Basic Law Enforcement Training program, Stephen Hester coordinating EMS and Sandy Carland helping with defensive driving, I’m helping them get classes aligned and keeping them updated on trainings and certifications as required by law.” 

Hayes said he is “venturing into new territory” with the new curriculum programs in EMS and public safety administration at SCC. He explained that each student’s accumulated training performed throughout their years of service can count towards credit hours for an associates degree that can be transferred to another institution’s bachelor’s degree program. Hayes said that previous training in fire, EMS and law enforcement and detention officer jobs that go towards a degree program drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to earn a degree. 

Hayes said the curriculum programs in Public Safety are HyFlex programs, so that students can complete coursework in their own time. Class lectures are recorded and live broadcasted, so students can work remotely and during times convenient for them. Lab coursework is completed on campus. Hayes is looking forward to promoting the curriculum program because it is something he can relate to in earning his bachelor’s degree as an older adult.    

“It’s important for these younger folks to get their associates degree, where they can climb the ladder within their organization,” Hayes said. “This helps them better provide for their family in having that education.” 

Since starting in January, Hayes said his favorite part of the job so far is the people he works with. Already seeing familiar faces on his team from throughout his career and working at SCC part-time, Hayes said “everybody is on the same page.” He is looking forward to the continued growth of public safety and helping fill the workforce gaps in the firefighter and paramedic fields.  

Hayes’ first interest in public safety stemmed from the adrenaline rush of saving someone from a burning house. He described the public safety and first responder career field as a “you either love it or hate it” lifestyle. 

“There’s something about it, and even at my age, I still enjoy it,” Hayes said. “But eventually, what got me away from working at a golf course and going back to school to become a medic was the pay. At first, I did this for the adrenaline, and now I do it because I want to make a difference.” 

Realizing his work on a fire truck or on the back of an ambulance is lifesaving; Hayes knew his calling was to help people. He said that “when they call you on their worst day,” he wants to “help make it a little better” for them. Retired from active service, Hayes still works as a volunteer in fire and rescue for Columbus County. He said his calling now is to train up a new class of public safety professionals who will affect thousands more people.  

Hayes earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in emergency and disaster management in 2022, and he is nine semester hours away from earning his master’s degree in executive leadership from Columbia Southern University.  

Hayes started his public safety career in 1989 as a volunteer firefighter serving in Brunswick County. He earned his paramedic certification from Brunswick Community College and became one of the first cohorts of paramedics to work in Brunswick County, earning full-time status in 1994. By 1996, Hayes was teaching paramedic classes at BCC until 2003, and he continued to teach part-time at SCC.  

From 2003 to 2006, Hayes served as Columbus County’s Emergency Services Director. In 2007, he was hired by the Leland Fire/Rescue as the captain of its EMS department. Within a year, Hayes was promoted to assistant chief and remained in that role until 2014, when he was promoted to deputy chief of EMS. In 2022, Hayes became the fire chief and remained there until retirement in December 2025.  

“I’ve pretty much taught fire and EMS my whole career,” Hayes said. “I’m helping prepare the next generation, and I figured this would be a good place to do it. This is where I grew up, and Columbus County will always be home.” 

Outside of work, Hayes likes to watch sports on TV, hunt, fish, and work on his family’s farm. During the summer, he spends many hours mowing yards. He and his wife, Traci Hayes, have two adult sons, Jackson and Josh, and five grandchildren.  

Interested in a career in Public Safety? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6279 or visit A-building on campus to connect with a student advisor.