Fire News

Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation Awards Ceremony

2/8/2025

Members of Carroll County Fire Rescue attended the 25th Firefighter Recognition Day Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation at Georgia State University. This annual event honors the bravery and dedication of Georgia’s fire service professionals who selflessly serve their communities every day. It also serves as an opportunity to recognize fire departments across the state for their fundraising efforts during the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation’s annual “Give Burns The Boot” campaign.

Carroll County Fire Rescue was honored to receive the top awards in both major categories, earning 1st place for Most Money Raised statewide and 1st place for Highest Per Capita Raised statewide. These achievements reflect not only the dedication of our firefighters but also the generosity and unwavering support of our community.

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Carroll County Fire Rescue Station 9 Grand Opening

10/6/2024

This morning, we celebrated the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Fire Station 9 in Villa Rica! The event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many who played a role in bringing this project to life—from the initial concept from the Carroll County Board of Commissioners who knew the needs of this growing community, to the citizens who voted for this SPLOST project, to the state of the art design, and the remarkable construction, this project is one everyone can be proud of!

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Recruit Class #31 Graduation

9/23/2024

Help us congratulate the newest graduates of the CCFR #31 recruit class!

Gabby Amaya, Noah Banks, Jaylon Grier, Ronald Hite, Bailey Kittrell, Steven Martin,

Tommy Minyard, Eli Nelms, Dalton Ridgway, Hunter Roper, Jason Sorrells, Kenaz Vicks

City of Carrollton Recruit Graduates

Griffen Morgan & Chase Smallwood

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Leukemia Awareness Month

9/12/2024

September is Leukemia Awareness month, and this year Carroll County Fire Rescue will be wearing Leukemia Awareness T-Shirts in honor & memory of Kelly Barnwell. Kelly Barnwell is the late wife of Carroll County Fire Chief Chuck Barnwell. In 2017, Kelly was diagnosed with Leukemia, and she would become a warrior like no other. In May of this year Kelly lost her long war with Leukemia. Kelly’s love, compassion and kindness was felt by everyone that knew her and it shined brightest in her devotion to her husband, children Jimmy, Brooke, Jake and her grandchildren. She loved the Atlanta Falcons & the Atlanta Braves. Carroll County Fire Rescue is honored to show our love and support for Kelly Barnwell and her family and all those fighting the battle with Leukemia. The proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please join us in showing your support for those who are still fighting the war against the disease that has taken far too many far too soon. Please help us cheer on Chief Barnwell as he throws out the first pitch.

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9/11 Tribute

9/11/2024

Today, firefighters from Carroll County Fire Rescue and Carrollton Fire Department came together to honor the memory of the heroes and victims of 9/11. At the training center, they undertook a physically demanding tribute, running 3.43 miles and climbing 110 flights of stairs—symbolic numbers that represent the 343 firefighters who sacrificed their lives and the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This solemn tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice demonstrated on that tragic day. The firefighters' commitment to remembering the fallen is a testament to their dedication to service and the enduring legacy of those who gave everything in the line of duty.

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Fire Marshal Harmon Graduates Police Academy

8/2/2024

Congratulations to Fire Marshal David Harmon of Carroll County Fire Rescue for graduating from GPSTC/ALETE Academy at the University of West Georgia Friday to become a Certified Peace Officer.

Sheriff Terry Langley swore Fire Marshal Harmon in this afternoon granting him the power to investigate arsons through Carroll County Fire Rescue and make arrests accordingly as a certified Deputy of Carroll County.

Fire Marshal 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 and he has selflessly served Carroll County Fire Rescue since becoming a volunteer in 2004 and then a full-time employee in 2005. He has obtained certifications as an Instructor, Arson Investigator, and Fire Inspector, along with countless hours of training while previously serving as Captain and Fire Marshal for Fairfield Plantation Fire Rescue.

We are very excited and proud of Fire Marshal Harmon and the time and energy he pours into his position as well as those he mentors. We look forward to continuing to watch his career grow with Carroll County Fire Rescue and watching him serve the great citizens of Carroll County! Congratulations!

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Give Burns The Boot

5/28/2024

Carroll County Fire Rescue partnered with the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation to raise funds for their annual "Give Burns The Boot" campaign. We are excited to announce that together we raised $41,556!! We are so gracious for the overwhelming support the citizens of Carroll County have shown. Thank you so much Carroll County for providing help, hope, and healing beyond the burn!

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College & Career Academy Class 2

5/14/2024

Carroll County Fire Rescue is thrilled to announce the completion of the Carroll County School System's College and Career Academy in collaboration with Carroll County Fire Rescue! On May 9, 2024, a group of ambitious students from multiple school districts successfully completed the pathway for Firefighter One. Under the guidance of Instructor Mike Davis and adjunct instructors from Carroll County Fire Rescue, these students have undergone rigorous training in preparation for their future careers as firefighters along with completion of regular school activities.

These dedicated individuals will soon sit for state certification exams, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming certified firefighters. We couldn't be prouder of their hard work and commitment to excellence!

Join us in congratulating these outstanding students:

Gabby Amaya-Bowdon High School

Garrett Austin-Temple High School

Dennis Britt-Villa Rica High School

Jaylon Grier-Villa Rica High School (Firefighter of the Year)

Hollis Otwell-Mt. Zion High School

Kenaz Vicks-Villa High School

Carroll County eagerly anticipates welcoming them to our fire department after graduation. Let's show our support and wish them the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new chapter!

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Ladder 6 Push In Ceremony

4/16/2024

A “Push In” Ceremony for Fire Truck 6, the newest addition to the fleet was held at Station 6 in Bowdon this morning and what a great morning it was, full of community support and participation, and our very own Carroll County Fire Rescue personnel, and the weather was perfect! The ceremonial “Push In” tradition pays homage to the days when firefighters had to detach the apparatus from the horse-drawn equipment and push it back into the bays. Modern times call for the firefighters and members of the community to push in the new apparatus when placed into service.

A special thanks to the following attendees who made this ceremony extra special:

Bowdon High School Football Coach Rich Fendley, Chairman Michelle Morgan, District 6 Commissioner Danny Bailey, Justin Richards, pastor from Bowdon Baptist Church who said a blessing over the truck & first responders during the ceremony, athletes from the Bowdon High School Championship football team along with students from Bowdon High School and Carroll County staff and fire personnel who assisted in pushing the new apparatus into its new home!

Carroll County Fire Rescue was also proud to have Todd Moore and Will Martin from Williams Fire Apparatus in Ashland, AL that are the Sutphen Dealers in the area.

Thank you to all who attended and support our Carroll County Fire Rescue personnel.

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Division Chief Sudduth Retires

2/2/2024

Congratulations to Division Chief, Keith Sudduth who has officially retired from Carroll County Fire Rescue after 39 years of service! He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in January 1985 and transitioned to a career firefighter in October 1992. We thank him for his service to the citizens of Carroll County!

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Engine 12 Push In Ceremony

1/24/2024

On Tuesday, January 24, 2024, Carroll County Fire Rescue held a “Push In’ Ceremony for Engine 12 in the Lowell Community. The ceremonial ‘push in’ ceremony pays homage to the days when firefighters had to detach their apparatus from the horse-drawn equipment and push it back into the bays. Modern times call for firefighters and members of the community to push in new apparatus when placed in service. In January of 2023, the Carroll County Board of Commissioner unanimously agreed to allow Williams Fire Apparatus in Ashland AL. to completely refurbish Engine 12. The refurbishment was a top-to-bottom overhaul for the 19-year-old pumper. The refurbishment included rebuilding the engine, transmission, and water pump that supplies water to put out fires. The interior cab and storage compartments were inspected and updated as well as the emergency lighting package. All these upgrades will allow Carroll County to extend the life of our fire engines at a fraction of the cost of new apparatus.

The most recognizable change was the new paint scheme and graphics. In the summer of 2022, a survey was sent out to members of the department for their input on rebranding the Carroll County Fire Rescue apparatus. Of those responding, they overwhelmingly chose the black over red paint with the new “CCFR” gold graphics. As new apparatus is ordered and any current apparatus is refurbished, the new branding and graphics will eventually be seen on all of Carroll County Fire Rescue’s fire apparatus. Chief Barnwell stated, “I am extremely proud of the new design because our personnel had a voice in choosing how our apparatus looks.”

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Domestic Violence Christmas Donations

12/19/2023

Carroll County Fire Rescue partnered with the West Georgia Domestic Violence Shelter to help bring some Christmas cheer to those in need this year. The event proved to be much more than we could've hoped for with members of the community and other agencies donating gifts. On December 18th, with the help of many gracious individuals from Carroll County Fire Rescue, Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles, and members of the community, we sponsored all 22 children in need and provided gift cards and additional gifts to the shelter for use as the need arose. Thank you so much to all those who helped make these children's Christmas bright.

Pictured are Left to Right:

CCFR Fire Marshal Harmon

CCFR Administrative Assistant Harris

CCFR Division Chief Waters

PAP Criminal Investigator Beckom

Shelter Director Johnson

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Breast Cancer Awareness

11/15/2023

Way to go Carroll County Fire Rescue! THANKS to everyone’s support we were able to make a donation to the Tanner Foundation. These funds are from the sales of breast cancer awareness t-shirts.

Carroll County Fire Rescue was able to donate $800 to the Tanner Foundation Mammogram Assistance Fund & Tanner Breast Health Patient Care Products Fund.

Mammogram Assistance Fund:

To assist women who are in need of financial assistance to assure that screening and/or diagnostic mammograms and/or breast

ultrasounds are performed based on recommended guidelines. The Fund will provide screening and/or diagnostic

mammograms and/or breast ultrasounds for PFAP qualified breast cancer patients of Tanner Health System

Tanner Breast Health - Patient Care Products:

To purchase personal care items from Tanner boutique for indigent breast cancer patients. The Fund will provide personal care

items for PFAP qualified breast cancer patients of Tanner Health System.

Thank you all so VERY much for your support!

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Smoke Alarm Blitz

10/28/2023

On Saturday, October 28th, Carroll County Fire Rescue conducted a Smoke Alarm Blitz in the Mt. Zion/Burwell communities. Fire department personnel went door to door installing free smoke alarms for residents. In just four hours, Carroll County Firefighters had installed 174 smoke alarms in the community. Carroll County Fire Rescue received the smoke alarms from the Kidde Operation Save A Life grant, which donated over 4,000 smoke alarms to 20 Metro Atlanta Fire Departments. The smoke alarms installed today feature a 10-year sealed-in battery that eliminates the need for battery replacement and simplifies fire protection. The Mt. Zion area was chosen for this smoke alarm blitz due to the increase in home fires in the area over the past 12 months. Carroll County Firefighters also took this time to educate residents in the dangers of not having working smoke alarms in their home. Residents expressed there gratitude to the firefighters and were excited to see them out in the community. If you or someone you know are in need of smoke alarms and live in Carroll County, you can request them throughout the year on the fire department website at www.carrollcountyfirerescue.com

Pictured are fire personnel from Carroll County Fire Rescue Engine 7, Engine 14, Engine 15, Engine 17, Ladder 6,

Battalion 2, 804, & 805

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Deputy Chief Wade Receives Georgia Fire Chief's Certification

9/27/2023

Carroll County Fire personnel recently had the opportunity to attend the annual joint conference of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and the Georgia Firefighters Association. The conference was attended by firefighters and fire officers from all over Georgia in Augusta.

The conference was opened with a dynamic presentation on the events surrounding the Charleston Super Sofa fire that killed 9 Charleston South Carolina firefighters and had an emphasis on departmental and self accountability.

Throughout the week attendees had the opportunity to learn from multiple speakers about leadership, the changing dynamics of the fire service culture and Firefighters physical and mental health. There was also an update on current and future legislation that directly affects the Georgia Fire Service.

Other than learning, there was a memorial for the firefighters that had passed away over the last year. Our own Fire Marshal Nic Turner who we lost in May of this year was remembered during the service.

The conference ended with an award ceremony recognizing the bravery and accomplishments of firefighters around the state. We are so proud of CCFR Deputy Chief Dave Wade as he was recognized for receiving his Georgia Fire Chiefs Certification.

CCFR personnel that attended the conference included Fire Chief Chuck Barnwell, Deputy Chief Dave Wade, Lieutenant Leighton Ivey, Firefighter David Ihrig, and Firefighter Bradley Binder.

CCFR would like to thank the Chairman and the Board of Commissioners along with the citizens of Carroll County for their continued support that allows our personnel to participate in the many training opportunities that expand our skills to better serve the citizens. Congratulations Deputy Chief Wade!!

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Carroll County Fire Rescue Station 9 Groundbreaking

8/29/23

Groundbreaking of the replacement of Fire Station 9 in Villa Rica took place on August 29, 2023. In attendance were City of Villa Rica officials, Caliber 1 representatives, Georgia & West, Inc. Staff, Rickman Architecture Designs staff, the Board of Commissioners, and Carroll County Fire Rescue personnel.

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Battalion Chief David Harmon Promoted to Fire Marshal

7/28/23

Battalion Chief David Harmon is promoted to Fire Marshal of Carroll County Fire Rescue.

Fire Marshal Harmon has been a firefighter with Carroll County Fire Rescue for 19 years, working through the ranks from Firefighter to Battalion Chief. Fire Marshal Harmon has earned certifications in varying aspects of the fire service from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and the National Fire Academy. He has completed numerous training programs and courses throughout his career and holds several certifications, including National Registry Emergency Medical Technician, NPQ Fire & Life Safety Educator, NPQ Fire Investigator, and NPQ Fire Inspector. Fire Marshal Harmon will oversee the Fire Prevention Division of Carroll County Fire Rescue, which includes, Fire Investigations, Fire Inspections, Fire Prevention & Education.

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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 Waters. 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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Firefighter Brandy Waters Promoted to Division Chief of Training

9/12/22

Firefighter Brandy Waters is promoted to the position of Division Chief of Training. Division Chief Waters 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 Waters 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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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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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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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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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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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 2. 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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Allen, Brandon	McKinley, Tyler
Baker, Brandon	Morris, Tyler
Dalton, Stephen	Offenbacker, Riley
Ivey, Jason	Peters, Erik
Ivey, Leighton	Rodino, Justin
Jerome, Kevin	Sinyard, Scott
Mayfield, Cody	Worley, Chace
McDaniel, Zach

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