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Gordon County fire chief outlines rising calls, training push and equipment purchases; commissioners to proclaim Fire Prevention Week
Summary
The Gordon County fire chief reported rising call volumes and expanded training, outlined a multi-year equipment plan funded by SPLOST, and the board read a proclamation declaring Oct. 6–12, 2024 Fire Prevention Week.
The Gordon County fire chief told commissioners during a work session that the county's fire and rescue operation has seen an increase in call volume and is investing in training and new apparatus to meet demand.
Chief (self-identified as chief of operations) said the department answered 4,128 calls in 2023, including 319 fire responses and 2,608 medical calls, and had recorded 3,084 responses as of Sept. 30, 2024. "We are projected to show a 2.6% call volume increase from last year to the end of this year," the chief said.
The department described an expanded training effort: two recruit classes last year produced 13 graduates and 6,240 recruit training hours; the department reported 17,840 total training hours last year and projected roughly 22,288 hours in 2024, a 22.17% increase. The chief said the department has developed a career path and an "MVP fire officer" program to strengthen retention and leadership.
On equipment, the chief said the department took delivery of a commercial pumper on Aug. 24 and expects three additional pumpers in late January 2025. The department has contracted for a 107-foot aerial platform, with delivery projected for mid-2026 and a stated loan price of $1,600,000. The chief said those purchases are funded by SPLOST dollars, not the general fund.
The chief highlighted community risk-reduction programs, including free smoke-alarm installations (23 in 2023; 26 so far in 2024), installation of address markers (39 over two years) and public CPR and extinguisher training. He urged residents to attend a Home Depot public safety event on Oct. 5 and described plans for continued outreach.
During the same session the board read a proclamation designating Oct. 6–12, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week, emphasizing working smoke alarms and practiced home escape plans. Commissioners also recognized donors who supported fire-safety education.
The department encouraged residents needing address markers or smoke-alarm installations to contact its administrative staff for assistance; the chief noted the department will replace damaged address markers and that smoke alarms are installed free of charge. The proclamation and presentation were part of a work-session agenda; no formal vote on budget changes was recorded during the session.
