Chief Powell began in the fire service in 1989 at the age of 16 with the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company. At 17 he also joined the Flemington-Raritan First Aid Rescue Squad due to his interest in heavy rescue and is presently a Life Member. Chief Powell joined Sergeantsville Volunteer Fire Company in 2001 and steadily rose the ranks to becoming Chief in 2010. Chief Powell works full-time for the Hunterdon County Department of Public Safety as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator and previously served as the Hunterdon County Emergency Management Coordinator. Chief Powell presently serves Delaware Township as its Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.