2024 ANNUAL REPORT
DEDICATED LEADERSHIP
MISSION
Work aggressively to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth in Cherokee County.
VISION
We will be aggressive and competent firefighters, providing the most progressive emergency medical service in the state. We will be excellent in all things in the service to our community.
VALUES
Courage
The mental and physical ability to face adversity with focus and determination.
Commitment
The act of dedicating one’s self through total effort to accomplishing the mission.
Integrity
We live according to a code of ethics that governs our behavior both on and off the job.
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
On behalf of the dedicated men and women of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES), I am honored to present the 2024 Annual Report. This report highlights key statistics and insights into our ongoing mission to provide all-hazards emergency response and community risk reduction to over 292,000 residents, as well as the many visitors we serve.
The fire service today is far more complex than in the past. Beyond responding to emergencies, our team is highly trained in skills that ensure operational readiness, effective risk reduction, rapid response, and compassionate care. Our commitment to exceptional service is at the heart of everything we do.
As Cherokee County continues to grow, so does CCFES. We continually assess and innovate to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our services. Through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International Self-Assessment Model, we evaluate our operations against industry standards to ensure we are providing the highest quality care.
In 2024, we broke ground on Station 30 to better serve the southern part of the county, and we acquired land for Fire Station 29 and Fire Headquarters. Additionally, we opened the new Fire Station 13, replacing an older facility once staffed by volunteer firefighters, to better meet the needs of our growing community.
Our mission remains rooted in serving the community first and foremost, with our members being our most valuable resource. Our recruitment efforts focus on attracting candidates who embody our core values and are committed to the highest standards of service. In FY2024, we added 23 new positions to strengthen our team.
With your ongoing support, we remain dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our community, as our sole purpose is to serve them.
ACCREDITATION
The Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services accreditation program is focused on enhancing operational effectiveness and accountability by adhering to national standards set by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). This comprehensive program emphasizes continuous improvement in service delivery.
CCFES engages in a thorough self-assessment process to identify strengths and areas for growth, ensuring the department meets established performance benchmarks while fostering transparency and community trust. By achieving and maintaining accreditation, CCFES reaffirms its commitment to excellence in fire and emergency services, prioritizing the highest standards of safety and efficiency for the community.
On February 15, 2024, CCFES submitted its first Annual Compliance Report to CFAI, which included program appraisals, performance data, and evidence of implementing strategic recommendations from the 10th edition of the Quality Improvement for Fire and Emergency Services Manual. Following a review by Deputy Chief Greg Chesser from Boulder City Fire Department, the department received a recommendation to retain its accredited status. The second Annual Compliance Report was submitted in February 2025. A review is expected later in 2025.
The CCFES budget is managed by the Fire Finance Office. The office is overseen by Amanda Postelle who serves as a liaison with the county Finance Department.
$70,362,780
FY2024 FIRE & EMS BUDGET
$13,367,319 - TOTAL OPERATIONS
$7,996,211 - FIRE FUND
$5,371,108 - EMS FUND
FY2024 SPLOST TOTAL SPEND: $6,517,719
$56,995,461 - TOTAL PERSONNEL $43,576,778 - FIRE FUND $13,418,683 - EMS FUND
Station 13
Station 15
Station 18
Station 20 (Turnout Gear Room)
Station 29
Station 30
Station 32
Dedicated Outdoor Air System Replacements (Stations 4, 12, 21, 22, and 23)
Buffington Property
Vehicle Equipment
Training Division IT Equipment
Capital Projects Details - Pages 12-13
$3,958,774 $20,707 $1,026,311 $35,809 $3,062 $26,154 $34,879 $37,802 $1,229,750 $140,457 $4,012
PUBLIC RELATIONS & RECRUITMENT
The Public Relations & Recruitment Office is vital in shaping the recruitment, retention, and public image of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. Led by Capt. Michael Sims, the office manages media relations, public communications, and crisis management, ensuring the department’s messages are clear, timely, and aligned with its mission. Capt. Sims is supported by field operations personnel who assist with various public relations and recruiting duties. The office also oversees the department’s social media presence, creating content, monitoring platforms, and managing interactions to engage the community and highlight CCFES’ core values.
Working with the Human Resources Division Manager, Training Division Chief, and Command Staff, the office develops and executes a recruitment plan to attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates. This involves marketing strategies to expand the applicant pool for both civilian and sworn positions, as well as supporting all stages of the applicant experience from recruitment to onboarding. In addition to recruitment, the office develops strategies for employee retention, promoting career growth, engagement, and the retention of top talent. By analyzing data, maintaining applicant metrics, and gathering feedback, the office refines its approach to meet CCFES’ evolving needs. These efforts ensure that CCFES remains a dynamic, diverse, and professional organization committed to excellence.
The office also coordinates presentations for local civic groups, community organizations, and government agencies to build strong relationships, increase public awareness, and strengthen community partnerships, ensuring the department remains a trusted and valued resource.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Followers: 25,743
Reach: 798,912 Posts: 199
Followers: 2,813
Reach: 32,033 Posts: 321
X
Followers: 192
Reach: 16,186 Posts: 96
Threads (created in June 2024)
Followers: 279 Posts: 12
YouTube
Subscribers: 101
Videos Published: 34 Views: 4,236
News Releases: 68
Livestream Info Sessions for Members: 12
Member Newsletters: 12
Career Fairs: 24
Awards Presented: 132
Grand Openings: 2
COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION
The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) branch is committed to enhancing public safety through a range of critical initiatives. This team conducts comprehensive plan reviews and fire inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, safeguarding both new and existing structures. In addition, CRR leads proactive fire prevention programs and educational efforts aimed at reducing the risk of fires in the community. The branch empowers residents and businesses to take preventive measures. CRR also manages fire department capital projects, focusing on the development of modern facilities and the acquisition of advanced apparatus. These efforts ensure that the fire department is well-equipped and prepared to respond effectively, providing the highest level of service to the community. It is overseen by Deputy Chief Dean Floyd
FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
The Fire Marshal’s Office plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community by providing comprehensive technical support services. Their responsibilities encompass Comprehensive Plan Reviews and Fire Inspections, offering full plan review of all permits and conducting thorough inspections of new construction to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes; Existing Business Inspections to uphold fire and life safety standards, ensuring a secure environment for employees and visitors; and Collaboration with the Community Development Agency to work closely on matters such as annexations, deannexations, rezonings, and permits, thereby contributing to coordinated development efforts. The Fire Marshal’s Office is led by Division Chief Chad Arp.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
11,000
TOTAL ACTIVITIES
510
2,890 Fire Review Plans Open Records Requests 151 Technical Review Meetings 12 Annexation & De-Annexation Reviews
3,053
TOTAL PLAN REVIEWS
7,437
TOTAL INSPECTIONS
5,538 Annual & Re-Inspections 1,899 New Construction
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION
The Fire & Life Safety Education Office is committed to fostering a culture of prevention through extensive community outreach. Their initiatives include: Partnerships and Education Programs, engaging with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to deliver educational programs aimed at all age groups; and Diverse Educational Topics, providing resources and education on a wide array of subjects such as fire safety, smoke alarms, child passenger safety, water safety, bike and pedestrian safety, CPR classes, and more. The Fire and Life Safety Education Team is led by Fire & Life Safety Education Program Manager Doug Knott, Ed.D. and reports to Division Chief Chad Arp.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
226,006
People Reached via Outreach Campaigns
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
PreK-12th Grade
7,360 Students Served 100 Schools
Safety Town Camp
PreK Fire Safety Class
Kindergarten Fire Safety House
4th Grade Fire Safety Course
8th Grade STEM Fire Forensics
High School Public Safety Training Day
COMMUNITY EVENTS
18,559 People Served 851 Events
1,894 Smoke Alarms
Updated
171 Car Seats Inspected
Bike and Pedestrian Safety
Water Safety
Fire Extinguisher Training
CPR/First Aid/AED Course
Car Seat Inspections/Installs
Fire Engine Visits
Fire Station Tours
Smoke Alarm Checks/Installs
Keep the Wreath Green
Station 13
A new fire station is serving the Sutallee community. Station 13 relocated to 134 Ficklen Church Way. Firefighters moved into the building in the fall of 2024, and a ceremonial uncoupling was held in September. The station will provide for better service to area residents and room for staff growth in the future.
Station 20
Station 20 located on Bells Ferry Road is one of the oldest stations in the county. It has undergone renovations in the past, and in 2024, the modifications to the station’s gear room and kitchen were completed.
New Service Truck
A new service truck was purchased in FY2024 and placed into service at Station 8 in Holly Springs. A service truck provides supplies to restock and refuel during high-energy and/or long-running incidents. Service trucks can refill air cylinders and provide hydration and nutrition for firefighters. It also is equipped with a light tower to light night incident scenes for better safety.
Old Buffington School Property (Land Purchase Only)
CCFES purchased the old Buffington School property located at 4568 Cumming Highway for the future Station 29 and to relocate Fire Headquarters and Logistics. If feasible on the property, a Fire Safety Village may be included in future years.
Required Renovations
HVAC/Hood Renovations to Stations 4, 12, 21, 22, 23
New DOAS Units at Stations 4, 12, 21, 22, 22,
Apparatus Replacements
The Fire Service Fleet endures high mileage and wear and tear as they respond to fires, medical calls, alarms, car accidents, and more. A replacement program is essential to ensure apparatus are in good condition and ready to respond.
Unlike passenger vehicles, fire apparatus have a long lead time, sometimes several years, so planning ahead is critical.
In FY2024, the Board of Commissioners approved several apparatus replacements utilizing SPLOST funding.
• A 75-foot Aerial Apparatus
• A Mid-Mount Platform Apparatus
• Five Fire Engines (the first should arrive in mid-2025)
• Twelve Type 1 Med Units on F-550 chassis (the first unit should arrive in May 2025)
FIELD OPERATIONS
The Field Operations branch of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is at the heart of emergency response, ensuring that all incidents, including special operations and EMS, are handled efficiently and effectively. This division is responsible for staffing response apparatus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Field Operations oversees the coordination of fire suppression, rescue efforts, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents, working seamlessly to protect the community. By maintaining highly trained personnel and providing specialized equipment, this branch ensures that Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is always ready to respond to any emergency with precision and professionalism. Field Operations is overseen by Deputy Chief Kevin Lanier.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
The Special Operations Division is dedicated to ensuring preparedness and response for Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue incidents.
Search and Rescue: The Search & Rescue Team consists of highly trained members who conduct operations throughout Cherokee County and beyond.
Rope Rescue: This team specializes in high-angle and confined space rescues, as well as Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER), utilizing advanced equipment and extensive training.
Swiftwater Rescue: The Swiftwater Rescue Team is specially trained to save individuals in fast-moving water and flood zones, employing specialized equipment and rescue boats.
Dive Team: The Dive Team performs rescue and recovery dive missions across Cherokee County and surrounding areas, equipped with the latest protective gear, tools, and dedicated rescue vehicles.
Haz-Mat: CCFES boasts one of the best-trained and equipped hazardous materials teams in Georgia, staffed by full-time firefighters with extensive training in handling a variety of hazardous materials. This team responds to numerous incidents throughout Cherokee County each year and assists neighboring communities across North Georgia. Special Operations is led by Division Chief Darrell Mitchell.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services provides essential emergency medical services and ambulance transport to the residents and visitors of Cherokee County. Led by Division Chief Nate Sullivan, the EMS Division is committed to delivering high-quality care, guided by Dr. Jonathan Allen, an experienced emergency physician currently in an EMS Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. All first-response units are licensed as Medical First Response providers by the State of Georgia. CCFES’ dedicated firefighters are trained as EMT-Intermediates, Advanced-EMTs, or Paramedics, and each unit is equipped with cardiac monitors, emergency medications, IV supplies, and more.
Medical Supervisors & Quality Assurance
To uphold the highest standards of care, CCFES has two medical supervisors (MedCons) in field operations daily. The MedCons are selected for their advanced medical expertise, exceptional customer service, and leadership at emergency scenes. Additionally, two experienced paramedics serve full-time as EMS Quality Assurance/Improvement Officers, reviewing every patient care report to ensure proper documentation, care standards, and transport destinations. The division is also supported by EMS Business Coordinator Summer Chambers-Stewart who manages many administrative functions, including billing issues and open records.
Recognition of Excellence
High-acuity incidents, such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, and major trauma cases, undergo regular review by the Medical Director and Division Chief of EMS Operations. This allows personnel to be recognized for their exemplary work and helps CCFES refine care methods. Personnel receive nominations and awards for their outstanding contributions, including Kevin Johnson, who was honored as Region 1 EMS Educator of the Year.
SWAT Medic Team
The Cherokee County SWAT Medic team is an integral part of our operations, working alongside the Cherokee Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Training is ongoing throughout the year with other members of the multi-agency SWAT team.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Many of the SWAT Medics are also certified and sworn law enforcement officers.
Responded to 21 callouts in FY2024.
Six current members are on SWAT.
SWAT Medic controlled fire progression and safely extracted a perpetrator from a burning building where they had barricaded themselves.
203 Structure Fires 567 Non-Dwelling Fires
1,644 False Alarms
1,004 Technical Rescues
24,425 EMS Calls* *16,728 Ambulance Transports
6,844 Calls for Service
Chad Davis Division Chief Shift Commander A-Shift
Jamie McCord Division Chief Shift Commander B-Shift
Ryan McElwee Division Chief Shift Commander C-Shift
Station Map
Battalion 1
Station 1
Station 7
Station 8
Station 19
Station 20
Station 22
Station 24
Battalion 2
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 15
Station 21
Station 23
Station 25
Station 26
Station 29
Station 32
Battalion 3
Station 6
Station 9
Station 11
Station 12
Station 13
Station 16
Station 17
Station 18
Station 27
CCFES operates 27 stations (24 staffed & 3 unstaffed) countywide in three shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Each shift is led by a division chief shift commander followed by three battalion chiefs strategically located throughout the county. Battalions are determined by population density, response times, and call volume.
Battalion 1
Clay Cloud Battalion 1 Chief A-Shift
Deal Battalion 1 Chief B-Shift
Gibbs Battalion 1 Chief C-Shift
Station 1
100 Old Bascomb Ct. | Oak Grove Houses: Engine 1, Truck 1, Squad 1, Utility 1
Station 7
1530 Barnes Rd. | Little River Houses: Engine 7, Squad 7, Squad 71
Station 8
260 Hickory Rd. | Holly Springs Houses: Engine 8, Squad 8, Service Truck 8, Car 6
Scott
Shannon
Station 19
100 Ridge Mill Ct. | Acworth Houses: Engine 19, Squad 19
Station 20
6274 Bells Ferry Rd. | Oak Grove Houses: Engine 20, Squad 20, Battalion 1, Boat 20 (Little River Marina), Boat 22 (Victoria Harbour Marina), Dive Truck 20
Station 22
9550 Bells Ferry Rd. | Bridgemill Houses: Engine 22, Squad 22, Utility 22, ATV 22 (Blankets Creek), UTV 22 (Blankets Creek)
Station 24
1000 River Park Blvd. | River Park Houses: Engine 24, Squad 24, MedCon 1
2024 INAUGURAL BREAKFAST
WITH OUR BEST AWARDS
Volunteer Member of the Year
Stan Ice
Support Services Member of the Year
Sgt. Rick Scales
Special Operations Member of the Year
Sgt. RC Vaughn
EMT of the Year
FAO Jonathan Laurich
Paramedic of the Year
FAO Beau Witcher
Firefighter of the Year
FAO Alissa Whetstone
Fire Officer of the Year
Capt. Nathan Baum
Chief Fire Officer of the Year
Battalion Chief Shannon Gibbs
Fire Foundation Presentation
$32,390 was presented to Chris King, a Cherokee County sergeant, to assist his family during his cancer battle.
Stan Ice
Rick Scales
RC Vaughn
Jonathan Laurich
Beau Witcher
Alissa Whetstone
Shannon Gibbs
Nathan Baum
Station 2
420 Valley St. | Ball Ground Houses: Engine 2, Squad 2, Decon 2
Station 3
270 Crown Ave. | Hickory Flat Houses: Engine 3, Squad 3
Station 4
9253 Freehome Hwy. | Free Home Houses: Engine 4, Squad 4, Investigator 3
Ricky Collett Battalion 2 Chief A-Shift
Ryan Osborne Battalion 2 Chief B-Shift
Brian Ward Battalion 2 Chief C-Shift
Station 5
10378 E. Cherokee Dr. | Macedonia
Houses: Engine 5, Squad 5, Tender 5, Gator 5, Utility 5
Station 15
5804 Yellow Creek Rd. | Mica
Houses: Engine 15, Utility 15
Station 21
1190 Evenflo Dr. | Airport
Houses: Engine 21, Truck 21, Battalion 2, Haz-Mat 21, Foam 21, Utility 21
Station 23
7625 Vaughn Rd. | Hickory Flat
Houses: Engine 23, Squad 23
Battalion 2
Station 25
2250 Holbrook Campground Rd. | Holbrook Houses: Engine 25
Station 26
89 Dogwood Pass | Nelson Houses: Engine 26, Rescue 26
Station 29
3451 Cumming Hwy. | Buffington Houses: Engine 29
Station 32
3644 Sugar Pike Rd. | Hickory Flat Houses: Engine 32
Battalion 3
Frankie Martinez Battalion 3 Chief A-Shift
Matthew Richter Battalion 3 Chief B-Shift
Thomas Capps Battalion 3 Chief C-Shift
Station 6
3396 Land Rd. | Clayton Houses: Engine 6, Tender 6, Rescue 6
Station 9
1467 Reinhardt College Pkwy. | Pea Ridge Houses: Engine 9, Squad 9, Rescue 9, MedCon 2
Station 11
2731 Marietta Hwy. | Canton Houses: Engine 11, Truck 11, Utility 11
Station 12
9081 Fincher Rd. | Waleska
Houses: Engine 12, Squad 12, Battalion 3, TR-12, UTV-12, Brush Truck 12
Station 16
190 W. Main St. | Downtown Canton Houses: Engine 16, Squad 16
Station 18
5840 Salacoa Rd. | Salacoa
Houses: Engine 18, Tender 18
Station 13
2833 Knox Bridge Hwy. | Sutallee
Houses: Engine 13, Squad 13, Swiftwater 13, Boat 13
Station 17
125 Chickasaw Dr. | Lake Arrowhead Houses: Engine 17, Rescue 17
Station 27
1216 Lake Arrowhead Dr. | Lake Arrowhead Houses: Engine 27, Ranger 27
2,844 Service Tickets Processed
660
Purchase Orders Processed
SUPPORT SERVICES
The Support Services branch of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services plays a critical role in ensuring the department runs smoothly and efficiently. This branch includes the Training Division and Logistics Division. Additionally, the Support Services branch coordinates the implementation of department-wide initiatives, organizes community outreach programs, and works to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, this branch helps ensure that Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is always ready to serve and protect the community with excellence. It is led by Deputy Chief Shane West.
LOGISTICS
The Fire Logistics Division plays a vital role in managing all purchasing needs for CCFES.
10,953 Assets in OPIQ
304 SCBAs Tested Annually MAINTENANCE
The division works closely with the fire department’s finance manager on annual contracts, Requests for Proposal, and the procurement of essential items that support Field Operations. This includes new vehicles, uniforms and protective equipment for over 500 personnel, medical supplies, fire equipment, janitorial and office supplies, as well as medals and awards to recognize the exceptional service of field personnel. Logistics also ensures all fire department equipment is well maintained, undergoes annual servicing, and is promptly repaired. This encompasses ladder and pump testing, extrication tools, firefighting hoses and nozzles, ladders, positive pressure fans, power tools, Stryker stretchers and power loads, along with the repair and testing of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The logistics staff also regularly deliver supplies to stations to facilitate seamless operations.
In 2024, four logistics employees achieved Scott Level 1 certification for SCBA repair, enhancing in-house maintenance capabilities. The team also repurposed and outfitted a fire department truck for brush fire operations
Acting as a liaison between County Fleet, Property Management, and Field Operations, the Logistics team is essential for ensuring smooth coordination and exemplifying outstanding management skills. Logistics is overseen by Division Chief Marc Liscio.
FIRST CITIZEN’S ACADEMY
Thirty-one Cherokee County residents experienced an inside look into the life and job of the fire service. The inaugural program garnered great interest — the 11-week program provided insight into operations, training, and investigations. They learned about Emergency Management and E 9-1-1 operations, as well. Each participant also had the opportunity to become certified in CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed.
TRAINING
The Training Division is dedicated to all aspects of training for both new and incumbent personnel within our fire department. They provide 15 weeks of comprehensive training for fire recruits to achieve NPQ1 and NPQ2 certification, followed by an additional 20 weeks to obtain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technician and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification. Upon graduation, the experienced Training Instructors take over in the continuing education for the department, ensuring that all personnel receive the necessary training and meet the required hours set by state and federal regulations. For those looking to advance their medical training, the Paramedic program offers expert instructors committed to guiding students toward success. The Training Division is overseen by Division Chief Danny Carder.
178,200
23
8
3 Cherokee County School District students participated in the Fire Pathways program at CCFES’ training complex.
2
IN-HOUSE FIRE & PARAMEDIC ACADEMIES
Fire Recruit Class 2023-01
Graduated Oct. 12, 2023
22 graduates
Fire Recruit Class 2023-02
Graduated April 12, 2024
19 Personnel
Fire Recruit Class 2024-01
Graduated Sept. 13, 2024 23 personnel
Fire Recruit Class 2024-02 Began Aug. 19, 2024
22 recruits currently in training
Paramedic Program 2023-24
16 Personnel graduated Feb. 13, 2025
CHAPLAIN RESPONSE UNIT
HONOR GUARD
Founded in 2000, the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Honor Guard is made up of dedicated Cherokee County firefighters and retired fire department personnel. The Honor Guard fulfills various duties, including participating in parades, opening ceremonies, and honoring fallen public safety members at funerals. Among their notable appearances are the Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration in Atlanta, a NASCAR event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and the opening day ceremonies for the Atlanta Braves. Three new members joined the Honor Guard in FY2024. Events included multiple nights at Dixie Speedway, Patriot Day, and most notable, honoring members of CCFES and neighboring departments during their times of loss.
Established in May 2007, the Chaplain Response Unit was created to support fire department personnel in coping with the stresses of their demanding work. This non-denominational team, composed of ministers from the county, provides spiritual guidance and assists families facing unexpected loss. Additionally, they extend their support to neighboring counties without a dedicated chaplain. All interactions are kept confidential, ensuring a safe space for individuals, personnel, and their families.
• Assisted with several funeral services for fellow firefighters and family members of fire department personnel.
• Five Chaplains attended a two-day Georgia Law Enforcement Chaplaincy training conference.
• Responded to numerous callouts to assist citizens and the Coroner’s Office when requested.
• Delivered the invocation at over 20 events to include County Board of Commissioners’ meetings, Fire Department Promotion Ceremonies, and the Citizen’s Fire Academy.
• Attended the 2024 Fire Recruit Graduation.
• Provided 60+ hours of support to E 9-1-1 staff.
• Distributed comfort blankets to each fire station and coffee mugs to every firefighter on each shift.
FIRE EXPLORERS
Explorer Post 469 is designed for high school students between 14 and 20 years of age. The Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Explorers Post was founded in 2001 with the goal to establish skills, knowledge, and experience for future careers in the fire and emergency services profession by participating in emergency calls and assisting in the community. Members of the Explorer Post attend weekly meetings at our Fire Training Complex and provide support at various fire department events.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Competed against 1,600+ Explorers from 20 states at the 49th annual BSA Winterfest competition located in Gatlinburg, TN.
1st Pittsburgh Drill
2nd EMS Combat Challenge
10+
Hours per week of training and mentored by career and volunteer firefighters from CCFES.
PERSONNEL SERVICES
The Personnel Services branch of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services focuses on supporting the department’s most valuable asset—its people. It includes the Business Intelligence Division, Human Resources Division, and Health & Safety team. These divisions work together to ensure a skilled, supported, and resilient workforce, contributing to the department’s overall excellence in service delivery. Personnel Services is led by Deputy Chief Mark Orr.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
The Business Intelligence Division is responsible for directing and supervising the functions of Information Technology (IT), Analytics, GIS, Professional Standards and Fire, Explosion and Arson Investigations. Responsibilities, led by Division Chief Cheri Collett, include:
• Data collection and analyzation
• Risk assessment and performance evaluation
• GIS Management and CAD Liaison
• Information Technology (IT)
INVESTIGATIONS
• Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) Investigation
• Fire and Explosion Investigation
• Arson Investigation
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
• Investigator Turner graduated from POST Mandate Police Academy.
• Investigators attended the GFIA Annual Conference in Cobb County and Savannah, GA. (Inv. Collett serves as a board member for the Georgia Fire Investigators Assoc.).
• Investigators presented for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
• Investigator Pope received his IAAI-certified Fire Investigator credential in November 2023.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Geographic Information System (GIS) team plays a vital role in enhancing field operations by developing and maintaining precise maps of stations, battalions, counties, and networked roads. This ensures efficient and accurate emergency responses throughout Cherokee County and neighboring regions involved in automatic and mutual aid partnerships.
Additionally, the GIS team focuses on strategic planning and expansion for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. By analyzing potential future station locations, the team contributes to optimizing service delivery. GIS is utilized to evaluate past operational data, allowing for improvements in routing and closest unit dispatch, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of services and better serving the Cherokee County community.
A new hydrant inspection process was implemented using ESRI Field Maps on iOS devices, streamlining inspections and data collection.
The GIS team is collaborating with the Fire Education Division to implement Community Risk Reduction data collection using ESRI Field Maps, Dashboards, and Web Map solutions.
FIRE IT
The Fire IT Department plays a crucial role in supporting the technological needs of the fire department. This includes managing and maintaining vehicle routers, station computers, mobile data computers, and patient care report devices. Additionally, the team oversees a variety of on-premises and hosted software solutions, ensuring that CCFES personnel have the reliable technology they need to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
NOTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
• New station maps were created for Stations 15 and 13, and GIS assisted in analyzing and mapping the coverage area for the new Battalion 4.
• Developed networked road maps to support the 911 CAD system, enhancing our response capabilities.
• Successfully rolled out the hydrant collection application using ESRI Field Maps. This innovative solution eliminated the need for a paperbased inspection process.
• Collected and inspected over 12,000 hydrants, enabling quick identification of those in need of repair. This system also empowered field crews to identify and add new hydrants to our database, enhancing our operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Responded to 889 requests for service.
• Facilitated the transition from Zoll EPCR to ESO EHR (Patient Care Report/ Emergency Health Report Software).
• Facilitated IT installations for new Station 13 and other station remodels.
• Effectively managed the global CrowdStrike IT outage, ensuring that there was no impact to services. The issue was fully resolved within 12 hours, demonstrating Fire IT’s commitment to maintaining operational continuity.
HEALTH & SAFETY
The Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Health & Safety Program is dedicated to proactively ensuring the well-being of our firefighters. This comprehensive program encompasses a range of initiatives designed to promote health, safety, and wellness within the organization. Its objectives include enhancing safety protocols by implementing and regularly updating safety procedures to minimize risks during emergency operations; health and wellness initiatives by providing resources and support for physical fitness, mental health and stress management to promote overall well-being; and gauging risk assessment by conducting regular evaluations of operational risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. Health & Safety is managed by Battalion Chief Scott Gwinn.
Programs
Annual (PPST)
Physical Performance Standards Testing
Annual Medical Physicals
Peer Support Team
475 personnel
County average time 6:58
Fittest Shift: A Shift
Fittest Station: Station 1
475 personnel
Loss in average weight since 2023
Loss in average body fat since 2023
Average age of 37 years
8 Peer Trainers obtained certified trainer status
New Peer Support Team Coordinator: Tom Johnson
Added new trained peer team members
Responded to multiple outside agencies to assist in facilitating Critical Incident Stress Management for personnel.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fire Human Resources manages and facilitates various essential administrative functions. This includes managing databases, facilitating personnel and assignment updates, overseeing components of risk management such as worker’s compensation, performing functions of time management and payroll processing, coordinating onboarding processes for new hires and offboarding processes for employment separations. They also coordinate member enrollment and dues payments for the Georgia Firefighter Pension Fund, as well as facilitating other mid-year insurance changes. The department is overseen by Division Manager Libby Griffiths.
454 Field Operations
512 TOTAL EMPLOYEES
506
420 Sworn Firefighters
176 Licensed Paramedics
183 Licensed Advanced EMT
60 Licensed EMT-Intermediates
PROMOTIONS & RETIREMENTS
Captain
Jordan Allred
Craig Henderson
Michael Sims
Justin Williams
Lieutenant
Brandon Barton
Tim Carter
David Jones
Mike Thomas
Ross Young
Sergeant
Kevin Bates
Cody Doyle
Joseph Gates
Cody James
Eric Lusk
Spencer Williams
Gerald Wright
63 Support & Admin
45 Sworn Firefighters
17 Licensed Paramedics
1 Licensed Advanced EMT
18 Licensed EMT-Intermediates
Sgt. Marcus Walker
Capt. Ron Williams 30 Years
Capt. John Bennett 25 Years
Lt. Paul Faulkner 19 Years
In Loving Memory
Nevin O’Hearn
Nevin O’Hearn, a Fire Apparatus Operator and Advanced EMT, passed away Sept. 24, 2024. He joined Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Feb. 11, 2019 and served his community with dedication and pride. While his death was not duty related, the loss was felt throughout the fire department. A memorial service was held on Oct. 2, 2024 at Station 13 in Sutallee where he was stationed.
David Gray
David Gray passed away Sept. 8, 2024 after a 33-month battle with cancer. David served in the fire service for 22 years, first with the city of Morrow and for the majority of his career with the Woodstock Fire Department. Many with CCFES stood by David and his wife, Melissa, for the nearly three years he battled cancer, and participated in honoring him for his dedication to the fire service at a memorial service held Sept. 13, 2024.
