New Deputy Chief Has Family History with Douglas Fire/EMS

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From Douglas County government

Scott Zachmeyer has been named Deputy Chief of the Douglas County Fire/EMS Department, replacing the retired Kim Ransom.

Deputy Chief Zachmeyer has been with the Department since 1984 immediately after graduation from Lithia Springs High School. As a Senior at LSHS, he had taken an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course; his dad, Bill, was a fireman; and Scott knew from both these experiences that helping people was what he wanted to do in his career. Scott began in the Radio Room (before the days of 9-1-1), and then moved to Station No. 3, Kilroy Lane in Bill Arp. He has served in all but two of Douglas County’s ten fire stations.

Deputy Chief Zachmeyer is now second in command in the Douglas County Fire/EMS Department, and reports to Fire Chief Scott Spencer. He works in the Fire Department Headquarters on Bankhead Highway.

It is said that being a fireman is a calling from within, and the Zachmeyer family has answered that call. In addition to Deputy Chief Zachmeyer and his dad, Bill, Scott’s brothers CJ and Jeff are also in the Douglas County Fire/EMS Department, both serving as Lieutenants.

Deputy Chief Zachmeyer said that the biggest change in his new duties is the difference between being physical exertion and mental exertion going from fighting fires to administrating the Department. He stated that it is “challenging” but that he applied for the position because the farther one moves up, the more good one can do to create a positive future for the Department.

Deputy Chief Zachmeyer is married to Shanda, and they have three children - Tate, Maisie and Cari - all of whom he said have given him love and support throughout his firefighter career.

Photo: Deputy Fire Chief Scott Zachmeyer; Douglas County Facebook