Cherokee Fire Field Operations Chief Retires

CANTON, GA -- A familiar face around Cherokee County has decided to trade in his fire department uniform for a more casual wardrobe.

Greg Erdely retired this week as field operations chief for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. The agency held a lunch this week to honor Erdely, a gathering that drew a large crowd of firefighters, friends and former firefighters.

Speakers for the event included Erdely’s daughter, Nikki, Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson and former fire chief and current County Commissioner Raymond Gunnin.

Yesterday, at the close of work, Chief Erdely boarded a fire engine for the last time and was taken home to his family. Erdely was honored for his leadership, commitment to the department and dedication to helping others in time of need.

Erdely was born and raised in New York. He attended St. John’s University in Queens, and graduated in May 1986 with a bachelor's degree in management.

Before starting his career in public safety, Erdely worked with Household Finance for seven years. For three years, he volunteered with Forsyth County and also worked for Forsyth County EMS. He joined Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services on May 3, 1995, as a firefighter/EMT.

In 1997, Erdely was promoted to firefighter III and then to the rank of sergeant in September 1998. In 1999, he received his capstone certification. Three years later, he was promoted to lieutenant, appointed to the rank of captain in August 2003, achieved the battalion chief rank in March 2005 and was named field operations chief in March 2013.

In 2015, Erdely graduated from Leadership Cherokee where he was presented the Cristal Stancil Leadership Award by his classmates in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities. He is currently a board member of the Healing Hands Youth Ranch, a member of the Drug Free Cherokee Committee and a Vickery Creek Middle School football coach since 2007.

He and wife, Wendy, have been married for 30 years. They have two adult children, Nikki, a teacher in Forsyth County, and son A.J., a University of Alabama student.

Erdely said he now plans to pursue his master's degree in education while enjoying his passions: family, sports, camping, fishing, hunting and coaching.

Images via Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services