Alpharetta Names New Public Safety Director

ALPHARETTA, GA -- A new face will soon take over the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

The Alpharetta City Council on Monday confirmed the hiring of John Robison to serve as director of public safety.

Robison, who will begin his new role Jan. 3, will lead police, fire, 911 and emergency management services, heading a department of 262 positions.

“Throughout his career, John has proven himself to be a principled, innovative leader who focuses first and foremost on serving the community,” said Alpharetta City Administrator Bob Regus. “John was part of our team for 10 years, so he will be coming in with a strong knowledge of our organization and culture and the respect of the public safety professionals he will be leading.“

Robison began his law enforcement career in 2001 with the city of Alpharetta and served the community for 10 years prior to leaving the organization as a lieutenant in 2011 to pursue higher leadership positions.

He currently serves as police chief for the city of Powder Springs. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University, master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University and a doctorate degree in the same subject from Valdosta State University. Robison has also obtained a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Seminary.

Robison will be replacing Gary George, who will be ending a 46-year law enforcement career at the end of January. George came to Alpharetta in 2001 as chief of police and led the merger of the city’s police, fire, communications and emergency services into a unified public safety department.

Image via city of Alpharetta