09/09/2026
Guilford Metro 911 (GM911) Director Melanie Jones and City of Greensboro Fire Department Fire Chief Jim Robinson will retire, after serving the public for 38 years and 31 years respectively, on January 31, 2027.
Jones joined the City of Greensboro in 1999 as a telecommunicator following a stint as a full time sheriff deputy with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office (1988-1998). What followed was an extensive career with GM911, where she served as assistant communications supervisor (2000-2008), senior communications supervisor (2008-2010), emergency communications operations manager (2010-2014), and interim director (2014-2015) before taking on her current role in 2015. Jones also served as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office from 1999-2013.
During her tenure with the department GM911 has maintained accreditation for its protocols for 18 years, and training program for 12 years. The department was most recently recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch as an Accredited Center of Excellence (A.C.E.) in Emergency Medical Dispatch, as well as an A.C.E. in Emergency Fire Dispatch.
"My 38 years of public service began behind a badge as a deputy sheriff, and it taught me early on this work is about being there for people in the moments they need help most,” Jones said. “That lesson carried me through every year that followed here at Guilford Metro 911. The people who trusted us, and the team who became family to me — that's what made all of it worth it.”
Chief Robinson joined the Greensboro Fire Department in 1995 and was promoted to fire chief in 2021. He served in key leadership roles within the department, including overseeing the emergency services branch and special operations division.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside the great men and women of the Greensboro Fire Department. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the friendships, memories, and experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime,” said Chief Robinson. “Greensboro is a special community that truly values and supports its fire department, and I have been fortunate to serve a community that stands behind its firefighters.”
Additionally, Chief Robinson has received several awards and accolades during his tenure, such as Firefighter of the Year and a Medical Lifesaving Award. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the NC Fire Chiefs Association, Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and the FM Fire Service Advisory Group.
“On behalf of the City of Greensboro, both staff and its residents, I want to thank both Melanie and Chief Robinson for their years of service to this community,” said Assistant City Manager Andrea Harrell. “Their leadership and advocacy for their respective organizations have elevated both our 911 operations and fire department to international recognition and the highest levels of respect."
