Mr. Watts began his fire service career as a Volunteer Firefighter in 1999 with East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department. He worked 4 years as the Town of Stanley’s first paid Firefighter. He continued his career with Mount Holly Fire Department in 2005 as a Firefighter and filled the city's Fire Inspector position in 2008. Mr. Watts began as a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office in March 2011. Mr. Watts is a Graduate of Gaston College with an associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology.
Mr. Watts has 18 years in the fire service. He has investigated over 450 fires that involved criminal arson investigations, multi-million dollar losses, fires with multiple fatalities, and serious bodily injury. He currently holds or has held the following:
- NC State Certified Level III Fire Inspector
- Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (NAFI)
- NC State Certified Level II Fire & Life Safety Educator
- NC State Certified Level II Firefighter
- NC State Certified Associate Emergency Manager
- NC State Certified EMT
- NC State Certified Hazmat Technician
- NC Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician