Edward O’Brien Named Chief of Fire Rescue

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Burrell Ellis and Public Safety Director William Z. Miller announced recently the appointment of Edward O’Brien as DeKalb County’s new Chief of Fire Rescue.

O’Brien is a 25-year veteran of DeKalb Fire Rescue, most recently serving as Acting Fire Chief. He holds an associate degree in Fire Science and a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety with a concentration in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama. He is responsible for approximately 900 personnel and the daily operation of 26 Fire Rescue Stations that operate 68 emergency response units.

During his tenure with DeKalb County, Chief O’Brien has been a member of the Dive Team, HazMat Operations, and was an original member and instrumental in starting up the Technical Rescue Team. Chief O’Brien serves on the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) metro executive council, the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), as well as several other projects and committees. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Fire Chiefs Association, the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association.

Chief O’Brien has been married to his wife Caren for 23 years and they have two children, Mary Beth (20) and Matthew (17).

Information provided by the DeKalb County CEO's Office.