Whitfield County Fire Assistant Chief Retires After 35 Years

Chris Dempsey, assistant chief of operations for the Whitfield County Fire Department, retired this month after 35 years of service.

Dempsey started as a volunteer firefighter at 21, working in an era when skeleton crews meant single firefighters often contained fires alone before backup arrived. After five years, he secured a full-time position as an engineer, then advanced to lieutenant, battalion chief, and finally assistant chief.

In his most recent role, Dempsey oversaw daily operations and helped maintain the county's ISO Class 3 rating, which affects property insurance rates.

"Once you go full time, you're spending one-third of your life with these guys and gals, and you get close," Dempsey said. The relationships formed on the job matter most in a profession that demands physical and mental resilience. "It's hard not to take the job home, but having people to talk to about what went on helps," he said.

Dempsey advised the next generation to "pay attention to your surroundings and learn the craft." To his successor, he offered this: "Take care of the men and women, and be honest."