Ned Pettus, Jr. joined the Columbus Division of Fire on January 24, 1977. After graduating from   the Divisions Training Academy, he was assigned to the Engine Company at Station 19, which serves the Clintonville area, and Engine 18 in the Linden area.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1988, and was assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau, where he supervised the public assembly and school inspections. Following his promotion to Captain in 1991, Pettus, under the direction of Fire Chief H.J. Dutko, wrote and developed the standard operating procedures for the Divisions Fire Investigation Unit, now known as the Professional Standards Unit. Pettus served as the units first Commander.

In August of 1993, Pettus was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief and served as the Battalion Chief Relief Officer on 1-Unit. One year later, he was assigned to Battalion 2, 3-Unit. In March of 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief and served as the Commander of the Divisions Emergency Services on 3-Unit.

Pettus was promoted to Assistant Chief in January, 2001, and was placed in charge of the Divisions Fire Prevention Bureau.