Rowan-Cabarrus Honors Our Local Heroes

Lieutenant/Assistant Supervisor at Cabarrus County EMS

Kimberly Allred completed the paramedic program and earned her associate degree in Emergency Medical Science at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College because she wanted a career that would allow her to help others. “I wanted to be that person to make a difference in someone’s life and serve my community.”

During her 26-year career with Cabarrus County EMS, Allred has served as a field training officer and was recently promoted to lieutenant/assistant supervisor. She has attended the CPCC Public Safety Leadership Institute, where she served as class president, and serves as lieutenant/medical coordinator and president of the Ladies Auxiliary at Woodleaf Fire Department. She is currently attending the UNCC EMS Management Institute and working toward her bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

“Don’t hesitate to take that leap into college life,” Allred says. “It is 100 rewarding for your future, and Rowan-Cabarrus will provide the best opportunities and guidance for your educational goals.”

She says the best parts of her job are the relationships she forms with co-workers and being able to see the difference she makes when she saves someone’s life. “It’s mentally and physically challenging and requires dedication and hard work, but it is such a rewarding career.”

Allred lives in Woodleaf, N.C. and enjoys spending her leisure time with photography, helping out in the community, and hanging out with friends and family.

Rowan County Emergency Services Chief

Meet Rowan County Emergency Services Chief Allen Cress, who started his career as a volunteer firefighter in high school and fell in love with the idea of giving his time to help someone else. “I started at a time when the fire and EMS service in North Carolina was growing. Since the job I had paid a lot more that a career firefighter or EMT was making and my family was growing, I had to wait for the pay scales to get a little closer together. Once they did, I became a telecommunicator for 9-1-1 while still serving my fire department. The two paths grew together along with the knowledge I received from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and I quickly realized that this was my career path. You will either know this is what you want to do or you won’t. It’s a tough profession, and it’s not for everyone. The only constant in the emergency services/public safety field is that nothing is ever constant.”

Cress has been honored by the Rowan County Fire and Rescue Association for service and dedication, received the N.C. Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Line Supervisor of the Year Award and was named Communications Center Leader of the Year. He is the current vice president of the North Carolina chapter of the National Emergency Number Association.

When he’s not working, Cress enjoys rebuilding old cars and attending car shows. He has been married to his wife, Bonnie, for 28 years, and they live in the house Cress grew up in. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Cabarrus County EMS Deputy Chief

Jonathan Maulden has served the citizens of Cabarrus County and beyond as a paramedic, tactical paramedic, ATV medic, supervisor, and now, as deputy chief of Cabarrus County EMS. After completing his paramedic training at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and graduating from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, he returned to Rowan-Cabarrus to earn an associate degree in emergency medical science in 2021.

“Like most in emergency services, the desire to serve drove my (career) decisions. Being able to bring hope, comfort and healing to my neighbors is a reward beyond measure. Rowan-Cabarrus offered a flexible learning pathway that included high quality instruction, challenging coursework, and career-specific education I needed to improve as a leader in the emergency medical field. A career in emergency services provides a sense of accomplishment and reward that cannot be quantified. Each day is a new adventure, and the people you meet along the way will mold your life forever.”

When he is not working, Maulden enjoys hunting and fishing, especially waterfowl hunting, where he uses duck and goose decoys that he carves and paints himself. He is married, and he and his wife have an eight-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter.

Firefighter II

Tanner Mullis had always wanted to be a firefighter and a stint with a volunteer fire department at age 17 solidified his plans. He earned an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and is now employed by the Charlotte Fire Department, where he was awarded the Academic Achievement Award upon completing the department’s recruit school. He also works part-time for the West Stanly Fire Department and volunteers with the Millingport Fire Department.

Mullis chose Rowan-Cabarrus for its high-quality associate degree program and the college’s transfer agreement that allows fire protection technology students to transfer credits to Fayetteville State University to complete their bachelor’s degree.

“Getting to serve and help the public is my favorite part of the job,” he said. “People usually call us when they are having the worst day of their life, and it’s a great feeling to be able to make that day better the best we can. I also love getting to do something different every day I go to work: You never know what the next call might bring.”

Born and raised in Stanly County, Mullis resides in Albemarle. In his leisure time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and working out. He is a member of Eastside Church in Charlotte and the Charlotte chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters.

City of Concord Fire Chief

City of Concord Fire Chief Jake Williams enrolled at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College right out of high school, already knowing he wanted to spend his career in fire service. “Rowan-Cabarrus is a fantastic community college where the staff is always willing to take time to listen and help guide you to success. I chose this career path because I enjoyed working with a diverse group of people and being part of a team in school. I volunteered at my local department and fell in love with the fire service. Responding to emergencies and helping someone in their time of need had a huge impact on my decision.”

After earning his associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, Williams went on to complete his Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration Management at Fayetteville State University and still enrolls at Rowan-Cabarrus for continuing education courses.

“Fire service is the best job in the world!” he says. “You come to work every day not knowing the challenges you may have. It is the most rewarding career anyone could choose.” The best part of the job? “It’s the people. The people you work with, the people you meet during daily operations, and the community members you serve. It’s all about the people.”

Williams has served the Odell Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years and was recognized as the N.C. Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year in 2018. He is also a board member for the Cabarrus County Red Cross. When he isn’t serving the community, he enjoys hunting, vacationing with his family, and camping. He is married and has two daughters.

Sergeant – Kannapolis Police Department

Kannapolis Police Sergeant Keith Benfield earned his Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology at Rowan-Cabarrus. During his career, he has earned two lifesaving awards, as well as traffic enforcement and investigation certifications from the N.C. Justice Academy.

“Growing up, I always respected and admired law enforcement officers. As a kid, I did not know everything that law enforcement entailed, but I knew I wanted to become a part of it. I have always enjoyed helping people, whether it is helping someone change a flat tire or helping a friend build a deck. This profession allows me to help not just one person, but an entire community. The best part of my job is that I can have a positive impact on someone’s life. As a field training officer, I enjoy training and mentoring new officers and seeing them succeed.”

When he is not working, Benfield spends as much time as possible with his wife, Melissa, and their 7-year-old twins. The family enjoys camping and exploring new places together.

Police Officer – Kannapolis Police Department

Rowan-Cabarrus Completion Date: December 2018

Degree/Credential Earned: Some college courses/BLET

Career Recognitions

Why did you choose to attend Rowan-Cabarrus? Local college with several different opportunities, such as BLET and certificate programs.

Why did you choose your career path? Law Enforcement has always been a goal of mine, which was made possible by the Kannapolis Police department hiring me.

What is the best part of your job? My favorite part of being a Police Officer is the variety in what we do. You never know what the next call will be.

What advice would you give someone considering Rowan-Cabarrus? If you are considering attending RCCC, I would encourage you to get the most out of the time spent there. Even if you are only taking online classes there are so many opportunities to take different courses.

What advice would you give someone considering your career? For someone considering a career in Law Enforcement I would encourage them to ask as many questions as possible in order to get a better grasp of what Law Enforcement does. And to find a department, such as the Kannapolis Police Department, that supports their Officers and has a family mentality.

Tell us something about yourself/your life that makes you unique: I am a Marine Corps reservist.

Family/church/community affiliations: My wife and I have two children, which is where I spend most of my time when I’m not working.

Sergeant – Concord Police Department

Cabarrus County native Caleb Garrow chose a career in law enforcement to be able to have a genuine impact on the community. He completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at Rowan-Cabarrus and now works as a patrol sergeant for the Concord Police Department, where he was named Officer of the Month for November 2016 and received the Excellence in Police Service Award and Officer of the Year in 2021.

“I have always been the type of person who is willing to help someone in need and try my best to have a positive impact in their life,” Garrow said. “I knew a career in law enforcement was the perfect opportunity to be fulfilled every day knowing that I did something good for someone or the community that I serve.”

“The best part of my job is the constant change that keeps me on my toes and always growing,” he said. “It gives me a better perspective and an outlook on life that makes me grateful. As long as you make every decision from the heart and do what you know is morally sound, there is no better career in my opinion.”

In his leisure time, Garrow enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, working out, and riding mountain bikes with friends. He attends church at Multiply Concord.