Cherokee's First Paid Fire Chief Dies

CANTON, GA — A former Cherokee County fire chief died Saturday, according to Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

Joe Carmichael was at his Corryton, Tennessee, home at the time of his passing, according to the department. His wife, Carol, was by his side, fire officials said.

During his time in Georgia, Carmichael started his career at the Atlanta Fire Department, fire officials said.

He was instrumental in establishing the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department in December 1973, which later became a paid Cherokee fire department in 1976, fire officials said. Carmichael was the department's first paid fire chief in unincorporated Cherokee, fire officials said.

"The original Oak Grove Fire Department Station 1 no longer exists but the new structure is known as Cherokee County Fire Station 1, or (as) the crews call it, the OG," read a department statement.

The fire station was dedicated to Carmichael in 2018, with Chief Robert "Bob" Nealey leading the "Hose Uncoupling," or ribbon-cutting, ceremony, fire officials said.

"Please keep Carol and the entire Carmichael family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," officials said.

A small memorial service is planned for spring 2023.