Kevin Hart and John Parker were promoted from Battalion to Division Chief. Hart and Parker join Division Chief Wesley Howes where they will supervise all suppression and emergency medical responses county-wide during their respective 24 hour shifts.
Both Chief Parker and Hart are life-long residents of Paulding County and have extensive family history in the fire service. Chief Parker’s father served the City of Dallas Fire Department, including as its Chief, for many years. They each have extensive State of Georgia and national fire service certifications. Chief Parker also holds a degree in Fire Science, and Chief Hart is a nationally recognized Paramedic.
According to Deputy Chief Greg Elsberry, “It is great to see Paulding County expanding in terms of education and experience among our personnel. Both gentlemen are highly experienced, well-educated, liked and respected throughout the county and entire metro Atlanta region. They will do a great job mentoring our shift personnel.”
As part of the promotional process, several new officers were also promoted this week. James Myers and Robin House were named as Battalion Chiefs. Nick Pullen was promoted to Lieutenant, and Sam Ballard became Paulding County’s newest Sergeant. Chief House has served the citizens of Paulding County for nearly 20 years. In addition to a long list of fire-related certifications, she is also Registered Nurse and an Arson Investigator. Chief Myers is a 3rd generation firefighter with 12 years in the service, a degree in Fire Science, and is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Both Chiefs are nationally recognized Paramedics.
LT. Pullen has an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science and, before joining Paulding Fire in 2008, was a Carroll County Fire Lieutenant. Sgt. Ballard started as a volunteer and was hired as a professional Firefighter/EMT in 2004. He is part of the Paulding County Fire Honor Guard where he is an ambassador at the National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
“I am proud to see the Department flourish. Although we are relatively small compared to neighboring Counties, it is rewarding to see the professional standards set by our personnel,” noted Chief Joey Pelfrey. “We have a goal to be the best Fire Department in the area. With these recent promotions we are very well positioned to do exactly that.”