Department Phone Numbers
(770) 307-2987
(770) 307-3781 Fax

Department Email

 

 

 

  

The mission of Barrow County Fire & Emergency Services is to minimize the loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, environmental incidents, and other disasters. We will accomplish our mission through prevention, education, fire suppression, medical services, code enforcement, rescue skills, and other related emergency and non-emergency activities. We will actively participate in our community, serve as roll models, and strive to effectively utilize all of the necessary resources at our command to provide a product deemed excellent by our citizens.

Pre-Hire testing Implemented.

  • Applicants are assessed in agility, fires and EMS skills and other knowledge prior to employment;
  • In order to broaden the base for personnel — BCFES implemented a testing and hiring list for rookie personnel. The testing consisted of several phases which included agility, team building, communication and other general skills. Persons participating in this testing were scored on each section and a hiring list was compiled with the top 20 persons. From this list 9 rookie personnel were hired to begin rookie school.
  • Several new programs have been started within the department, as follows:
  • Children After the Fire — This program is directed by Firefighter/EMT Scott Dakin, in conjunction with the Georgia Firefighter Burn Foundation, The Tree House, Barrow County Board of Education and others. This program is designed to assist children affected by a fire in their home. It provides for counseling, fire prevention education and replacement of a special toy to help the child recover from this experience.
  • CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management ) - This program is managed up by Lieutenant/Firefighter/Medic Heath Williams. The goal of this program is to help personnel cope with the stressful and traumatic events they experience during responses to emergency calls. Personnel from within the department as well as departmental chaplains, and counselors from The Tree House receive training to hold de-briefing sessions regarding extremely traumatic events.
  • CERT (Citizen’s Emergency Response Team) – Citizens throughout the county will be trained to manage emergency situations for themselves as well as their neighborhoods in the event of a disaster. Training is targeted towards helping the citizens survive in the first few hours and/or days until further help can arrive.

Grants and major purchases

  • BCFES has secured several grants during the past year – one in the amount of $78,000 for the purchase of equipment needed for the Haz-Mat team.
  • A second grant in the amount of $228,000 was used to purchase air packs for the entire department. This replaces many older air packs which were being used within the department. The grant allowed for each individual to receive a personal air mask as well as moved the department toward a standardization for air packs in each of the six County Stations.
  • Received delivery of a new Fire Engine. This truck is the first to standardize the departmental fire engines for each of the County’s fire stations. Under the current replacement program an additional replacement truck has been seal bid and awarded, with delivery in August or September.

 

BCFES 2005 Activity Summary

  • Investigated more than 30 fires and forwarded information to the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies on a least 5 cases for possible criminal charges.
  • Plan reviews and inspections have been completed on more than 60 commercial buildings for new construction. Each new building requires plan review, sprinkler plans and/or fire alarm system plan review, and a minimum of 2 on-site inspections.
  • Responded to approximately 2000 fire calls and treated approximately 7800 patients.
  • BCFES reviews plans on new developments such as subdivision, rezone request and commercial property development

2006 Activities

  • In partnership with Lanier Technical College an in-house EMT school began on March 2, 2006.
  • Currently in the process of securing property to rebuild the Holsenbeck Area Fire Station. This new building will contain office space for the Administrative Offices and training center. The addition of the new training center is necessary for development of departmental staff as well as ensuring staff receives the minimum training requirements placed upon the department by the state and federal agencies. This is a SPLOST funded project.

Community involvement:

  • A toy drive during the Christmas holidays to provide toys to Barrow County Family Connection. Prepared a meal and delivered toys to residents at Peace Place.
  • Fire Prevention Classes taught at Schools and Day Care Centers.
  • Juvenile Fire Setter (A class for juveniles, who have either intentionally or accidentally caused a fire. The program strives to teach fire prevention and the dangers of fire).
  • Below is a list of actions and a map for the future growth of the BCFES:
  • Relocation of Holsenbeck Station, County Line Station, Statham Station, and Bethlehem Station for a consistent 3 mile coverage area.;
  • New Facility near Rockwell Church Road at the County Line Elementary;
  • New Facility near Highway 53 and Highway 316; and
  • Construction of a Training Facility and Administration Building.

Department Head:

Mitch Kitchens
Fire Chief
(770)307-2987

mkitchens@barrowga.org

Department Employee Contacts



 

 

Copyright (C) 2005 Barrow COUNTY