Smyrna Fire Department presents strategic plan, cites community risk assessment and accreditation goal

Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos presented the department's strategic plan to the Mayor and Council on Monday, describing it as the department's third strategic plan in its 127‑year history and the first informed by the city's community risk assessment completed in 2022.

Chief Marcos said the fire department surveyed citizens, engaged internal and external stakeholders and held workshops with department members and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce to produce 11 major goals that will guide operations and programs. "Getting to them fast is important. Having the right resources is important," Marcos said, summarizing the public feedback.

Marcos told the council the plan and the department's self‑assessment make Smyrna a candidate for accreditation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a designation he said only about 13% of U.S. fire departments achieve. "I hope within 18 months to 2 years, you're gonna see this fire department be the gold standard that we all know it is, but we'll have it proven and validated through the center of public safety excellence," he said.

Mayor Castle and other council members thanked the department for its work and for community engagement; the mayor recounted a personal experience with emergency response to underscore the council's appreciation. Marcos invited the public to review the plan online at spurnacityfire.com and to attend community open houses to ask questions.

The presentation did not include a council vote; it was received for information and staff said they would return with implementation steps and schedules as the accreditation process advances.