Anthony Bryant “Tony” Mauldin was born in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, to the late James and Marie Mauldin on July 24, 1962. Tony came from a long line of firefighting. His father, James, served over 50 years with the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department.
Tony’s 32-year service to the community began when he joined the Fuquay-Varina Rural Fire Department in 1990 as a volunteer firefighter. Falling in love with serving his hometown community, in 1993 he became the first career fire captain hired by the department. After the department merged with the Town of Fuquay-Varina in 1999, Tony was promoted to assistant fire chief. He was appointed fire chief for the Town of Fuquay-Varina Fire Department in 2002, serving faithfully in that role until his death. Tony also loved being a fire instructor for future firefighters.
Tony was very active in the Wake County Fire Service throughout his career, serving on many committees, including the Wake County Fire Commission for over 18 years. His leadership, accountability, integrity, empathy, and devotion to serve Wake County and his fire department family grew Fuquay-Varina to be a better place to work and live. He served as a model of hard work and dedication to the fire service. His passion for the community, the fire service, and the people he served will be deeply missed.
Chief Mauldin was an inspirational leader. His favorite quote was, “We might not do good at it, but we will look good doing it.”
Tony was a devoted and loving family man, leaving behind his wife of 36 years, Lenette Arnold Mauldin; his son, James Anthony; and his daughter-in-law, Sarah.
Tony loved hunting and fishing with his son, Anthony, and sitting outside playing with his chocolate lab, Bubba. In his spare time, he was perfecting his grilling skills and sharing it with the town of Fuquay-Varina and his family.
Under his leadership and vision, the fire department achieved many accomplishments, including building additions to Fire Station #1 and Fire Station # 2, opening Fire Station #3, adding a second ladder truck to the fleet, and his consistent effort to build Fire Station #4, which opened in 2024.
