Chatham County Fire Department

Chatham County Fire Department Command

Chief James Vickers

Chatham County Fire Chief James Vickers has more than 30 years of dedicated experience in Public Safety. He is a seasoned leader in emergency medical response, fire suppression, prevention and community risk reduction, training, emergency management, marine and industrial response, and special operations.

His unwavering commitment to excellence and extensive experience in organizational management make him a respected figure in the field, driving positive change and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery.

Chief Vickers's leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, empowerment, and strategic planning, reflecting his deep-seated belief in the importance of building strong relationships and fostering professional growth within the organization.

He holds a Master Degree in Public Administration and Emergency Services Management and a Master Degree in Leadership and Organizational Management. Chief Vickers is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and received his designation as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

He also maintains numerous state and international level certifications, is a Georgia Certified Emergency Manager and a licensed Paramedic.

Attended Herschel V. Jenkins High School and graduated in 1983. He has obtained an Associates and Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia Southern University, finishing my degree in 2020.

He started his career with the fire service in November 1982 with the Montgomery Fire Department, a division of Southside Fire Department, as a volunteer. In 1984, He began working for Southside Fire Department and did so for 23 years. He remained a volunteer with Southside, now Chatham Emergency Services, for 41 years.

In 2007, He worked for 12 years for the 165th Air Wing Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Captain. In 2019, he went back to work with the Chatham Emergency Services now the Chatham County Fire department as the Deputy Fire Chief.

The 59 year old has been married to his wife for 37 years and has two children with 3 grandchildren and soon to be four.

Deputy Chief Keith Harden

Division Chief Josh Anderson

Safety/Training

Division Chief Chris Mills

Fire District Chief

Division Chief Christopher Ellington

Fire District Chief

Christopher Ellington Fire District Chief

Chatham County Fire Department

Command Staff