Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services officially welcomed Fire Chief Kevin J. Lanier as the department’s new Fire Chief during a Change of Command Ceremony held Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs in Canton.
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of leadership from outgoing Fire Chief Eddie L. Robinson, who retires after three decades of dedicated service to Cherokee County and the fire service profession.
The event was attended by elected officials, county leadership, public safety partners, current and retired firefighters, family members, and community supporters. Remarks were delivered by Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Harry Johnston, County Manager Geoff Morton, Lt. Col. Mark Radicchi, and retired Deputy Chief Shane West.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a long-standing tradition symbolizing the orderly transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one leader to another. During the ceremony, the department’s colors were formally passed from Chief Robinson to Chief Lanier, representing the continuity of leadership and service to the citizens of Cherokee County.
After volunteering for several years, Chief Robinson began his career service with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services in 1999, the same year countywide paid fire protection was established. He became Fire Chief in 2022 and led the department through a period of tremendous growth and progress.
Under Chief Robinson’s leadership, the department achieved numerous milestones, including:
Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized that Chief Robinson’s legacy will be defined not only by operational advancements, but by his commitment to people, leadership development, and ensuring every citizen receives exceptional emergency service when they call 9-1-1.
Following the reading of official orders, Chief Kevin J. Lanier was officially sworn in as Fire Chief of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services by the Honorable Keith Wood.
Chief Lanier began his career with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services in 2000. Over the past 25 years, he has steadily risen through every rank within the organization, from firefighter to deputy chief, earning the respect of colleagues through strong leadership, operational expertise, and a steadfast commitment to public 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, and in 2025, he was named Deputy Chief of Support Services, bringing extensive operational and administrative leadership experience to the department’s executive team.
As Fire Chief, Lanier will serve as a member of Cherokee County’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to County Manager Geoff Morton.
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Eddie Robinson and his family for their years of service, sacrifice, and leadership, and congratulates Chief Kevin J. Lanier as he begins this new chapter leading the department.