Johnston County Environmental Health Leader Honored for Career of Service

 

For Immediate Release:   November 7, 2025

 

Smithfield, NC - Johnston County has a Hall-of-Famer. David Fulcher, an environmental health specialist with Johnston County’s Division of Environmental Health, has been inducted into the Steve Steinbeck Onsite Water Protection Hall of Fame. Fulcher and his staff site, design, permit and inspect groundwater wells and septic systems for the County. Their work helps protect groundwater quality and ensures compliance with state and local rules.

The Hall of Fame honor recognizes Fulcher’s “career of exemplary service for environmental protection and public health in the State of North Carolina.” The N.C. Onsite Water Protection Conference presents the award each year. It is named for Steve Steinbeck, who wrote North Carolina’s first set of rules for septic systems.

Fulcher has been an environmental health specialist for 26 years, starting his Johnston County career right out of college. In 2017, he was promoted to supervisor. In that role, he manages the department’s daily wastewater and well operations. “David has been extremely accountable, dependable and a hard worker,” said Todd Ramsey, director of Environmental Health. “He evenly and accurately applies his knowledge of wastewater rules, exhibits great customer service skills and displays a positive image to all within Johnston County.” Ramsey added that Fulcher is passionate about training staff. “David takes great pride and care when working with staff,” he said. “He works with them daily to deepen their understanding of wastewater systems and their regulation.”

Fulcher also promotes water quality protection through education. He leads monthly meetings to update staff on new regulations and how to interpret and apply them. For the past eight years, he has organized the annual Johnston County Wastewater Conference, which typically draws hundreds of participants. Fulcher lives in Smithfield with his wife, Emily, and their sons, Kevin and Dillon. He enjoys boating and is active in his church, Hopewell Original Free Will Baptist.

 

Pictured from left to right: Johnston County Public Health Director  Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Dillon Fulcher, David Fulcher, Emily Fulcher, Kevin Fulcher, and Johnston County Environmental Health Director Todd Ramsey.

 

David Fulcher, Johnston County Environmental Health Specialist

 

Steve Steinbeck Onsite Water Protection Hall of Fame Award