Chief Blackwell began his fire service career in 1979 as a volunteer and has served in each level of rank to include Fire Chief. While a volunteer, Chief Blackwell worked as a career paramedic and police officer. Chief Blackwell’s fulltime fire service career has included appointments as Fire Chief of a volunteer, combination and career departments. Chief Blackwell has also served as an Assistant Chief of a federal nuclear weapons facility. In 2010, Chief Blackwell was appointed Fire Chief of the Spartanburg Fire Department in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Chief Blackwell holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, Fellow status with Institute of Fire Engineers, Executive Fire Officer Program graduate, and Chief Fire Officer Designation.
Chief Blackwell is a member of the IAFC, SEAFC, and SCFCA.
Chief Blackwell has been married 33 years to Teresa and has three children Sarah, Sierra, and Jason.