Chatham County Fire Department Addresses Recent Volunteer Resignations and Reaffirms Service Continuity
For Immediate Release
Chatham County, GA (April 11, 2025)
The Chatham County Fire Department (CCFD) remains firmly committed to providing the highest level of fire protection and emergency response to our community. In keeping with that commitment, new training and response requirements for volunteer firefighters were implemented on March 20, 2025, to enhance firefighter readiness, improve safety, and minimize liability for all personnel operating under the CCFD umbrella.
These requirements are grounded in well-established minimum standards that have existed for decades, as outlined by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These are not new mandates—they have long served as the nationally recognized foundation for firefighter training, safety, professional readiness, and competency. Unfortunately, they were not consistently followed in past volunteer operations in the county. Additionally, volunteers are now required to complete designated shift hours riding on apparatus to improve response coordination and eliminate the increased risks associated with personal vehicle responses to emergency scenes.
These changes were not made lightly. They are rooted in our duty to ensure that every firefighter operating in Chatham County is equipped with the necessary knowledge, experience, and accountability to perform safely and effectively under increasingly complex emergency conditions. A meeting was held on March 24, 2025, by the Fire Chief to provide full transparency and offer support to our volunteers during this transition.
Unfortunately, despite our promise to provide additional training and flexibility, the volunteer firefighters chose to resign from service rather than work alongside department leadership to meet these updated standards.
We share in the disappointment of this outcome and recognize the decades of dedicated service these volunteers have provided to the community. Their legacy is appreciated and will always be honored. However, as our department grows and adapts to meet modern challenges, our mission remains clear: to ensure the safety of our residents and firefighters alike through professionalism, preparedness, and adherence to the highest standards of public service.
We are grateful for the foundation built by our former volunteers, and we remain committed to serving Chatham County with integrity, transparency, and excellence.
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Contact
Robert Catanese
Chatham County Public Information Office
Office: 912-658-6559
Email: rcatanese@chathamcounty.org
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