Battalion Chief Cory Lail began his fire career with Atlantic Beach Fire Department, and in 2009, was hired as a full-time firefighter with the City of Hickory Fire Department.  Prior to his promotion to Battalion Chief of Training, Chief Lail served the ranks of firefighter, Captain-Suppression, and Captain-Training.  Chief Lail is a qualified Fire Service Instructor level II, Live Burn Instructor, and a qualified Rapid Intervention Crew instructor.  Chief Lail is certified as Fire Officer III.  In 2023, Chief Lail graduated from Catawba Valley Community College with an Associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology.  Chief Lail has also received an Associate degree in Public Service Administration from Catawba Valley Community College