One year ago, the Chatham County Fire Department set out with a renewed commitment to protecting lives, property, and community. Today, we proudly reflect on a year of growth, progress, and purpose-driven service that has strengthened our department and enhanced our ability to serve the residents of Chatham County.

Investing in Equipment and Safety

In our first year, we made significant strides in modernizing our fleet and improving firefighter safety. Highlights include:

• Two new fire pumpers added to our frontline response fleet
• Two new command vehicles to support on-scene leadership and coordination
• An additional vehicle for our Behavioral Health Unit to support personnel and community wellness
• Two rescue boats and two double-stack boat trailers for enhanced water rescue capabilities for our Swift Water Rescue Team
• A complete set of new turnout gear for every firefighter, aimed at reducing exposure to carcinogens and supporting long-term health

Building a Culture of Excellence

The heart of any fire department is its people, and we have invested heavily in training and development:

• More than 24,556 hours of firefighter training completed this year
• Two Firefighter Recruit Academy graduations, welcoming new talent into the fire service
• Two Company Officer Academies, developing the next generation of fire service leadership
• Apparatus Operator certifications to ensure safe and effective vehicle operation
• Launch of our Tactical Swift Water Rescue Team, enhancing our ability to respond to water-related emergencies

Strengthening Community and Wellness

We recognize that fire service is about more than emergencies, it is about people. This year, we:

• Launched numerous community engagement campaigns, fostering relationships through education, safety demonstrations, and events
• Expanded our Behavioral Health Unit collaborations, connecting firefighters and residents with critical mental health resources
• Delivered programming and support aimed at building a resilient, informed, and connected community

A Year of Purpose

As we celebrate this milestone, we thank our firefighters, staff, community partners, and the residents of Chatham County for their unwavering support. We are honored to continue serving Chatham County for many years to come. Together, we are building something exceptional, one year at a time.