Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Announces Increased Staffing on Fire Apparatus

Cherokee County, GA – Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) is proud to announce that beginning Sunday, August 17, 2025, the department will implement a new staffing standard that enhances civilian and firefighter safety and improves service delivery to the community.

Effective immediately, all fire engines will operate with a minimum of three firefighters, and all aerial apparatus (ladder trucks) will operate with a minimum of four firefighters. Previously, the department’s minimum staffing levels were two firefighters on engines and three on aerials.

This increase represents a major milestone for CCFES and gets us another step closer to aligning with nationally recognized best practices for fireground operations. A landmark study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) demonstrated that fire crews with three firefighters can complete critical tasks 25% faster than crews of two. Specifically, the study found that:

• Victim rescues were initiated 25% faster with three-person crews compared to two-person crews.
• Fire suppression tasks were completed more quickly, reducing the time a fire has to grow and spread, ultimately saving lives and property.
• Larger crews improved overall firefighter safety by reducing the physical strain and workload on individual responders.

“This is a major step forward for the safety of our firefighters and the citizens we serve,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “The difference between two and three firefighters on an engine is not just one additional person—it’s an exponential increase in efficiency, safety, and our ability to save lives.”

This staffing increase was made possible through the outstanding support of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and County Manager, who approved the addition of firefighter positions in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The new personnel were hired in December 2024 and recently graduated from recruit training last week, allowing CCFES to fully staff its fire engines and aerials under the new standard.

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services remains committed to its mission of saving lives and protecting property for the citizens and visitors of Cherokee County. Increasing staffing levels ensures that firefighters have the resources they need to deliver faster, safer, and more effective emergency response.

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