Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. (March 4, 2026) – Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services has
announced the appointment of Kevin Lanier as its next fire chief. Lanier will officially assume the
role in May 2026.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as Cherokee County’s next Fire Chief,” Lanier said. “My heart
is committed to serving the wonderful members of Cherokee Fire and the citizens of our
community. We have come a long way in a short time, and I appreciate the leadership of Chief
Eddie Robinson, Chief Tim Prather, Chief Raymond Gunnin and others who have kept us
steadfastly moving toward the goals set forth by the Board of Commissioners, and I will strive each
day to make sure we uphold the mission, vision, and values of Cherokee Fire & Emergency
Services.”
Lanier currently serves as deputy chief of support services. He will succeed Chief Robinson, who is
set to retire in May after three decades of dedicated service to the department and the citizens of
Cherokee County.
Lanier began his career with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services in 2000. Over the past 25
years, he has risen steadily through every rank from firefighter to deputy chief, earning the respect
and support of colleagues through strong leadership, operational knowledge and a steadfast
commitment to service.
In 2021, Lanier was promoted to division chief and served as the A-shift commander. That same
year, he earned certification as a Georgia Chief Fire Officer through the Georgia Association of Fire
Chiefs. In 2022, he was appointed deputy chief of field operations. In 2025, he was appointed
deputy chief of support services, bringing extensive operational and administrative leadership
experience to the department’s executive team. As Fire Chief, Lanier will be a member of the
county’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to the County Manager.
“Cherokee County has been fortunate to have Chief Robinson at the helm of the fire department,
bringing the county into the 21st century in the fire service and keeping our sights set on excellence.
Chief Lanier has been alongside Chief Robinson as Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services
completed the nearly 30-year buildout of the fire service from volunteer to career firefighters. He
has been part of the accreditation process and is a great leader to carry on what has been started,”
said County Manager Geoff Morton. “While we are sad to see Chief Robinson go, the legacy he
leaves is lasting. We wish him the best in retirement, and I’m confident Chief Lanier will do a great
job leading the department and keep us moving in the right direction.”
Robinson announced his retirement last year and will pass the command to Lanier in May.
“Serving as fire chief has been the greatest honor of my career,” Robinson said. “Over the years,
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, courageous and
compassionate professionals in the fire service. Together, we’ve strengthened our department,
deepened our connection with the community and upheld a tradition of excellence that makes me
incredibly proud.
“I have full confidence in Chief Lanier’s leadership and vision for the future. He brings integrity,
experience and a steadfast commitment to both our firefighters and the residents we serve,”
Robinson said. “I am deeply grateful to this department and to the community for their trust and
support throughout my tenure. I know the very best is yet to come under Chief Lanier’s guidance.”
Chief Lanier is married to his wife, Alicia. They have three daughters: Katelin, Kali and Kara.
Additional details regarding the official change-of-command ceremony will be announced at a later
date.
About Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is a full-service, county-run organization providing
firefighting and emergency services to residents and visitors of Cherokee County. The agency holds
an Insurance Services Office rating of 2 and international accreditation through the Center for
Public Safety Excellence. The department operates 28 stations covering 434 square miles and
serves approximately 300,000 residents. To learn more, visit www.cherokeecountyfire.com