Fire News

Capt Thomas


Firefighter Tyler Thomas Promoted to Captain in Training Division


9/27/22

Firefighter Tyler Thomas is promoted to Captain in the Training Division to work alongside the newly promoted Training Chief Brandy Polk. Captain Thomas began his Fire and Emergency Services career in 2009 with Gwinnett County and came to Carroll County Fire Rescue in 2020, possessing certifications as a NPQ Firefighter I and II, along with being an Apparatus Pump and Aerial Operator, NPQ and Fire Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic, and Haz-Mat Emergency Response Specialist, along with specialized training, and serving as a coordinator for the Fire Recruit School.

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DC Polk


Firefighter Brandy Polk Promoted to Division Chief of Training


9/12/22

Firefighter Brandy Polk is promoted to the position of Division Chief of Training.   Division Chief Polk has an impressive background and resume, never stopping short in her willingness to train and learn throughout her extensive career in the fire service. Polk holds certifications as a NPQ Firefighter I & II, NIMS, and as a basic fire instructor, NPQ I & II fire instructor, NPQ evaluator, Fire Control instructor, along with multiple other specialized areas of instruction, along with completing the Georgia FLAMES certification, and extensive training in leadership for fire and EMS.

Division Chief Polk will be responsible for 122 fire rescue personnel as being the main source of contact for all training needs, record keeping, and developing and implementing training that will challenge and shape the staff from here forward, while keeping the foundation of what makes Carroll County Fire Rescue the family and community-oriented department it has become.

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Bud Retirement


Deputy Chief Bud Benefield Retires


8/15/2022

Help us congratulate Deputy Chief Bud Benefield who retired after 44 years of service to Carroll County!

Deputy Chief Benefield began his career as a volunteer firefighter, opened station 6 in 1981 and served as the Station 6 Chief for many years. He then moved to Head Quarters as the Division Chief of Training in October of 1994, and was promoted to Deputy Chief July 1, 2000 and has served in the capacity ever since.

We thank him for his dedicated service to the citizens and Carroll County and appreciate all those who came to celebrate him last week and shared memories and stories of his career through the years. Deputy Chief Benefield’s lovely wife, Donna also recently retired after serving Carroll County for 23 years in the Clerk of Courts office. We know they both will enjoy retirement and we pray for good health and relaxing days ahead for them both!

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Class 27


Carroll County Fire Rescue Recruit Class 27 Graduates


6/28/22

Congratulations to Carroll County Fire Rescue graduates from Recruit Class 27:

Carroll County Fire Rescue

Kelaiah Brookshire

Daniel Hanback

Holly Lopes

Joseph Miller

Joshua Watson

Alyssa Young

 

Haralson County Fire Rescue

Brayden Coppett

William Hulsey

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Class 26


Carroll County Fire Rescue Recruit Class 26 Graduates


4/18/22

Congratulations to Carroll County Fire Rescue graduates from Recruit Class 26:

Firefighter Martez Farris

Firefighter William Foran

Firefighter Jacob Gilliland

Firefighter Ryan Smith

Firefighter Hogan Thompson

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Mike Tucker Retirement


Firefighter Mechanic Mike Tucker Retires


2/11/22

Help us congratulate Firefighter Mike Tucker on his retirement! Tucker began his career as a volunteer firefighter in June 1997 and received his firefighter certification and became a full time with the department, serving as a member of the dive team, and as a certified emergency vehicle technician specialist in sirens and electronics. Tucker became Carroll County Fire Rescues department mechanic in 2001. 

We will miss him dearly as he has been such a dependable and dedicated employee through the years, always someone everyone could count on, but we are proud for him to start this next chapter of life. 

Enjoy retirement Mike Tucker, you definitely earned it and deserve it! Thank you for your service to our community, and for your friendship along the way!

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DC DAVE WADE


12/20/21

Fire Chief Chuck Barnwell hires Dave Wade as Deputy Chief of Fire Operations. Deputy Chief Wade has worked for Carrollton Fire Department and Haralson County Fire Department where he served in many different roles. Most recently Chief Wade was the Lieutenant over Training at Haralson County Fire Department. Chief Wade also serves on the Georgia Search & Rescue (GSAR) team due to his extensive knowledge and training in Hazardous Materials, High Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Collapse, and Building Collapse. Chief Wade has also been a Lead Instructor and Evaluator for the Georgia Fire Academy for many years.

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Nov 15 Recruits


New Fire Academy Graduates Join Carroll County Fire Rescue


11/15/21

Carroll County Fire Rescue is proud to announce its newest graduates from the Georgia Fire Academy. Help us congratulate Darien Crawford, Joey Henderson, and David Ihrig for earning their State Certification as a Firefighter at the Basic Firefighter Training program, offered through the Georgia Fire Academy at GPSTC. 

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Fire Chief


Chuck Barnwell Appointed to Carroll County Fire Rescue Chief


10/18/21

Chuck Barnwell began his career with Carroll County Fire Rescue in 1989 as a Junior Volunteer Fireman before becoming a full-time Firefighter in 1992. Barnwell served Carroll County Fire Rescue for a total of 11 years working his way up through the ranks from Lieutenant to Station Chief before joining the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services in 1999. Barnwell has most recently served as a Battalion Chief, supervising, and providing leadership for all staff and numerous students at the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Training Academy.

Barnwell received his associates degree of Fire Science from West Georgia Technical College and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Bowling Green State University. Barnwell currently holds certifications as an ADJUNCT Instructor, EMT-I, NPQ Instructor II, HazMat Technician, and Swift Water Operations.

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GPSTC Recruits 9-16-21


Carroll County Fire Rescue Graduates New Recruits From Fire Academy


9/16/21

Carroll County Fire Rescue is proud to announce its newest graduates from the Georgia Fire Academy. Help us congratulate Jake Jackson, Hunter Beckjordan, Brady Rogers, and Spencer Merrill for earning their State Certification as a Firefighter at the Basic Firefighter Training program, offered through the Georgia Fire Academy at GPSTC.

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DC Hopson


Deputy Chief Tommy Hopson Passes Away From COVID-19


8/16/21

Today we mourn the loss of Deputy Chief Tommy Hopson. He was a friend to all who knew him, he loved his family, and he loved being a Carroll County Firefighter. Tommy, or "Chief Hop" as so many fondly referred to him as, was a true hometown hero, always putting others first and never afraid to step up and do whatever necessary to get the job done and keep others safe.

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BC Harmon

Lieutenant David Harmon Promoted to Captain

5/21/21

Congratulations to Lieutenant David Harmon of Carroll County Fire Rescue for being promoted to Captain of Battalion II yesterday in a ceremony that highlighted his accomplishments. Captain Harmon is described as a self-motivated member of the fire service, always seeking ways to improve, and taking the initiative to seek higher learning that will assist him in leadership roles within his department. Captain Harmon has selflessly served Carroll County Fire Rescue since becoming a volunteer in 2004 and then a full-time employee in 2005, obtaining certifications as an Instructor, Arson Investigator, and Fire Inspector, along with countless hours of training while also serving as Captain and Fire Marshal for Fairfield Plantation Fire Rescue. 

Captain Harmon is responsible for the Computer Reporting Software, Image Trends, traveling outside of the State on several occasions to receive the latest training on how to effectively operate the system, taking time away from his family to sacrifice for the job he loves to see that the system always operates as smoothly as possible.

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Lt Dodson

Firefighter Luke Dodson Promoted to Lieutenant 

5/18/21

Congratulations to Firefighter Luke Dodson with Carroll County Fire Rescue for being promoted to Lieutenant today. Lieutenant Dodson has faithfully served Carroll County since 2012 and has proved to be a leader amongst his peers, rising to the occasion whenever he was needed.