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7 Crucial Updates And Specialized Teams You Must Know About The Cobb County Fire Department In 2025

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The Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) remains a pillar of public safety in the metropolitan Atlanta area, constantly adapting to the growing demands of one of Georgia's most dynamic counties. As of today, December 23, 2025, the department is operating under new, established leadership and is actively modernizing its equipment and specialized response capabilities to maintain its reputation for superior emergency services.

The department's commitment extends beyond traditional firefighting, encompassing a vast array of life-saving operations, from advanced emergency medical services (EMS) to highly technical rescue missions. With a daily call volume that stresses the importance of rapid, professional response, the CCFES structure is designed to handle every conceivable emergency scenario that arises across Cobb County's extensive jurisdiction.

Meet the Leadership: Fire Chief Dr. Michael Cunningham Biography

The Cobb County Fire Department is currently led by its seventh Fire Chief, Dr. Michael Cunningham, a seasoned veteran who has dedicated his career to the department's mission. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the department’s history, bringing a wealth of institutional knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to emergency management.

  • Name: Dr. Michael Cunningham
  • Current Role: Fire Chief, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES)
  • Appointment: Confirmed by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners as the seventh Fire Chief in the county's history.
  • Service History: Began his tenure with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services in February 2005.
  • Career Progression: Dr. Cunningham rose steadily through the ranks, starting as a Firefighter and moving up to Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and eventually serving as the Fire Chief of Staff before his appointment as Chief.
  • Core Mission: He has expressed a deep commitment to moving the department forward, focusing on providing proficient, professional, and compassionate service to the citizens and visitors of Cobb County.

Critical 2025 Operational Updates and Service Modernization

The first half of 2025 has brought several key updates to the Cobb County Fire Department, highlighting continuous investment in resources and personnel safety. These developments ensure that the department can meet the increasing demands for service across the county.

New Equipment Rollout and Fleet Upgrades

One of the most anticipated updates in 2025 is the arrival of new apparatus. The Marietta Fire Department, which works closely within the Cobb County jurisdiction, is scheduled to receive two new fire trucks in July 2025. This delivery is a significant event, as the trucks were purchased in 2022 but delayed due to global labor and material shortages. The new equipment will enhance the department’s ability to respond effectively to structural fires and other emergencies. Furthermore, the CCFES is expecting the delivery of a new specialized Rescue vehicle in October 2025, further bolstering its technical response capabilities.

Recent Emergency Response Incidents

The CCFES teams have been actively responding to significant incidents, demonstrating their dedication and the inherent risks of the job. In a recent early-morning East Cobb house fire, crews successfully contained the blaze that displaced four residents. During this incident, one dedicated firefighter sustained minor burns to the ears, underscoring the dangers faced by emergency personnel daily. Another house fire in Smyrna, which broke out in the garage of a home, is currently under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit to determine the cause.

High Call Volume and Emergency Communications

The sheer volume of emergency calls processed by the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) is staggering. The Cobb County 911 call center handles over 900,000 calls annually, a figure that includes the recent addition of approximately 10,000 calls per year from the City of Austell. This high operational tempo means that Cobb County firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers collectively respond to more than 1,200 calls every single day. The consistent demand for service necessitates a robust, well-staffed, and highly trained force of over 700 personnel.

The Cobb Fire Department’s Elite Specialized Teams and Services

To effectively manage the complexity of emergencies in a large county, CCFES utilizes several elite, specialized units. These teams are composed of highly trained personnel who handle incidents that go beyond the scope of general firefighting and EMS.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Teams

The Cobb County Fire Department operates two dedicated Hazmat Teams. These units are responsible for responding to emergencies involving biological, chemical, and nuclear materials. A career path within the department, the Hazmat Team is critical for mitigating environmental threats and protecting the public from dangerous exposures. Their expertise is vital in industrial areas and major transportation corridors like those found throughout Cobb County.

Technical Rescue and Specialized Operations

The CCFES is equipped with specialized units for Technical Rescue operations. These teams handle complex, high-risk scenarios such as:

  • Vehicle and machinery extrication.
  • High-angle and rope rescues.
  • Confined space rescues.
  • Trench and structural collapse rescues.

In addition to Technical Rescue, the department maintains an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Team, essential for protecting the Cobb County International Airport, and a MedOps Team for specialized medical operations.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Community Outreach

As a leading provider of Emergency Medical Services, the CCFES has an entire EMS Division, overseen by an EMS Division Chief. A significant portion of the department’s 67,000+ annual responses are EMS-related, making the Paramedics and medical specialists the backbone of daily operations.

Furthermore, the department employs the Community Assistance, Resources, and Education Services (CARES) team. The CARES team is a specialized unit that focuses on offering assistance and resources to citizens in need, often following a traumatic event. This program highlights the department’s holistic approach to public safety, extending beyond immediate emergency response to include community support and risk reduction.

The Foundation of Safety: Fire Investigation and Prevention

Maintaining safety also requires looking backward to understand and prevent future incidents. The Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Fire Investigation Unit was established in 1968 and plays a crucial role in determining the origin and cause of fires, which is essential for prosecution and prevention efforts.

The department’s strategic focus on prevention is supported by its governance structure, which places the CCFES under the authority of the Board of Commissioners and the County Manager. This ensures the department is fully integrated into the county's overall strategic plan, which includes goals for EMS Operations performance, with a specific target set for the end of the fiscal year 2024 (September 30, 2025).

From the leadership of Fire Chief Dr. Michael Cunningham to the specialized skills of the Hazmat and Technical Rescue teams, the Cobb County Fire Department is a dynamic, high-performance organization. The recent equipment acquisitions and the high volume of daily responses confirm its status as a vital, modern emergency service provider, constantly working to enhance the safety and well-being of the entire Cobb County community.

7 Crucial Updates and Specialized Teams You Must Know About the Cobb County Fire Department in 2025
cobb county fire department
cobb county fire department

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