CAPTAIN

J. Mack Tolbert, MSN, RN, CEN, NRP, CMTE

I’m honored to serve as the current Captain of our squad. My journey began in 1994 when I joined the junior squad at just 12 years old. At 16, I became an EMT, and by 18 I had joined the senior squad. On January 1, 2010, I had the privilege of following in my father JB Tolbert’s footsteps by taking on the role of Captain—the first to do so after rising through the junior squad.

After high school, I pursued nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse and later a Paramedic. My career started in the Emergency Room at Twin County Regional Hospital and Northern Regional Hospital, and in 2008 I joined AirCare as a Flight Nurse. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve in roles including Lead Flight Nurse, Assistant Manager, Program Manager, and now as Director of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist AirCare.

Education has always been important to me. I hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing and completed the Medical Transport Leadership Institute, where I earned my Certified Medical Transport Executive (CMTE) credential. I was also humbled to be recognized as one of the Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina.

Outside of work and the squad, I’m blessed with a wonderful family. My wife, Brandi, also serves on the rescue squad, and together we’re raising our son, Josh, who just recently started high school.

1st Lieutenant

I began my public safety career in 2003 at the age of 16. In 2005, I joined Pipers Gap Rescue Squad, marking the start of my long-standing commitment to emergency medical services. I also gained valuable experience working with Guardian Ambulance Service, where I served as a Lieutenant and EMT.
In 2011, I began working part-time with Carroll County Fire and Rescue, while continuing to serve in leadership roles at Pipers Gap Rescue Squad. In 2012, I was elected First Lieutenant of the squad and also joined Medical Transport LLC, where I worked until the closure of the local office in 2017. That same year, I transitioned to First Call Ambulance Service before accepting a full-time position with Carroll County Fire and Rescue.

Throughout my career with Carroll County Fire and Rescue, I have advanced through the ranks, building on both operational and leadership experience. In 2024, I was promoted to Shift Sergeant on A Shift, where I continue to lead personnel in delivering professional fire protection and emergency medical services to the community.

2nd Lieutenant

Samuel M. Adams, EMT, FF

I began my fire and rescue service in 2005 with the Twin Community Volunteer Fire Department in Parrott, Virginia, where I first obtained my Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification, followed by my Emergency Medical Technician–Basic (EMT-B). After relocating to the Galax area, I joined Pipers Gap Rescue Squad, where I have actively volunteered and currently serve as 2nd Lieutenant.

In 2014, I began my career with Carroll County Fire and Rescue as a part-time firefighter/EMT-B. I now serve full-time as a Lieutenant Firefighter/EMT-B, where I continue to dedicate my career to protecting lives, property, and the community through professional fire and emergency medical services.

TREASURER

C. Andrew Hennis, NRP, FF

I began my Fire/EMS journey in November 2012 as a member of the Galax Volunteer Fire Department Explorer Post 310. In 2015, I joined the Pipers Gap Rescue Junior Squad, earning my EMT certification the following year. That same year, I became a member of Pipers Gap Rescue Squad, and in 2018 I joined the Galax Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter. Over the years, I have obtained Firefighter I & II, HazMat Operations, and numerous other certifications that have strengthened my foundation in emergency services. During this time, I also earned the rank of Eagle Scout and completed my Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University in November 2018.

In addition to operational service, I have contributed in leadership roles, serving as Treasurer for Pipers Gap Rescue Squad since January 2018. To advance my career and skills, I completed an intensive 11-month Paramedic program in 2022–2023, achieving National Registry Paramedic certification. Today, I also serve as a part-time Firefighter/Paramedic with Carroll County Fire-Rescue, a volunteer Paramedic with Baywood Search and Rescue Squad, and a part-time 911 Dispatcher with Twin County E911, which dispatches for Pipers Gap Rescue.

Fire and EMS are deeply rooted in my family. My grandfather has been one of the most active members of the Galax Volunteer Fire Department since the 1960s, and my father has served there since 1994. My wife also shares this calling as a Firefighter/Paramedic, volunteering with Galax Fire, Pipers Gap Rescue, and Baywood Rescue. For me, public safety has never been just a career—it’s a tradition and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

SECRETARY

Abigail E. Hennis, NRP, FF

I began my Fire and EMS journey in Patrick County in 2017 as a volunteer. In 2018, I transitioned into full-time service as an EMT/Firefighter in Henry County. With deep family roots in Carroll County, I moved closer to home in 2020 and accepted a full-time EMT/Firefighter position with Carroll County Fire and Rescue.

It was there that I met my husband, Andrew, and we’ve now been married for five years. Shortly after, I joined Pipers Gap Rescue Squad as a volunteer and have proudly served as a dedicated member ever since. Over the years, I’ve obtained my Paramedic certification and expanded my service to multiple agencies, including Pipers Gap Rescue, Galax Fire and Rescue, and Carroll County Fire and Rescue.

My career and volunteer work have been driven by a passion for helping others and supporting the communities I call home.