Cabarrus EMS Chief honored as local hero

Published on August 25, 2025

EMS director Jimmy Lentz was recognized as a local hero at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners 118th annual conference in Pitt County.  

The recognition came Thursday (August 21) during the First Night Celebration of the three-day conference. There, Lentz was honored alongside other community leaders across North Carolina.  

The recognition was a part of NCACC’s Heroic Hands Initiative. The Initiative was established earlier this year and highlights those who better their community through often-unseen, but integral, roles in public service.  

NCACC also encourages more individuals to pursue careers in public service and promotes workforce training needs. 

Lentz has dedicated the past 35 years to serving Cabarrus County through various roles at EMS.  

His service was recognized in a letter from NCACC President and Warren County Commissioner Tare Davis.  

“Thank you for what you do and how you do it,” the letter said. “You are the model of a loyal public servant, and your community is truly fortunate to benefit from your service, commitment and care. 

Lentz began with Cabarrus County as a part time EMT in the fall of 1989. Since then, he served as crew chief, field training officer, relief supervisor, tactical medic, SWAT medic and ATV medic.  

In 2013, he was named EMS assistant director, and promoted to director in 2018.

As part of the recognition, Lentz will be featured alongside other North Carolina public service heroes in a commemorative book created and published by NCACC.