Part of ChathamCountyGA.gov
FAQ
From smoke detectors to home safety checks, Chatham County Fire community services can be located by clicking on the Citezens Resourses tab and selected Services in the drop down menu.
Over the past year, a dedicated Chatham County transition team led by County Manager Michael Kaigler, CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley and CCFD Chief James Vickers have been in negotiations with Chatham County Emergency Services (CES) to move fire services under the County government umbrella. Recognizing the evolving needs of our community, the CES Board of Directors has expressed their confidence in Chatham County taking on the responsibility of fire services. This thoughtful decision is aimed at ensuring the best interests of Chatham County residents and enhancing the collaborative efforts between Chatham County and CES to fostering a safer and more resilient community for everyone.
The County contracted with the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM), affiliated with the International City & County Managers Association (ICMA), to conduct a Fire Sustainability & Feasibility Study. The purpose of the study was to evaluate service delivery for fire services for unincorporated residents and businesses, in order to assist in future policy decision-making.
The new department provides the County Commission local control over operations, levels of service and cost going forward. Based on this updated information, the County Commission voted to begin operating the CCFD July 1, 2024.
CES will continue operating EMS/ambulance calls for service throughout Chatham County. CES will no longer provide fire services in the unincorporated County. Areas that were previously served by the CES Fire Dept. will now be served by CCFD. This fire service area is within unincorporated Chatham County.
Under the Citezens Resources tab click Services in the drop down and at the bottom of the page fill out a Special Event form. We will contact you directly.
No, residents and businesses will not pay double. CES will no longer provide fire services and will not be invoicing residents and businesses for fire service. Fire fee invoices will be issued by Chatham County.
EMS/ambulance service will continue to be provided and invoiced by CES. CCFD will provide fire services as well as first response medical calls to residents and businesses in the unincorporated area.
The current plan calls for a total of 152 staff positions to operate the CCFD. Currently, that includes 27 officer positions, and 89, 24-hour shift positions.
Chatham County is a great place to live, and the County organization is a great place to work. When recruiting begins, we expect that Chatham County’s combination of compensation, benefits, community and quality of life will be very attractive to potential new team members. Chatham County knows how to build and provide excellent public safety services, evidenced by how CCPD sets the benchmark every day. CCFD will start from a position of excellence, in recruiting, financing and operations. The County is excited to share that vision with potential new public safety professionals.
The CCFD will be created with 152 employees and a transfer of all equipment, parts and apparatuses from the prior service provider. CCFD will lease the CES fire stations for a nominal amount. The County will purchase fire vehicles and equipment from CES.