The city of Gainesville has named a new deputy chief of the Gainesville Fire Department. Eric Rockfeld assumed the role on Monday, Nov. 18, following the retirement of former Deputy Fire Chief Scott Stowers.
Rockfeld has been with the Gainesville Fire Department since 1993. He began his career with the city of Gainesville as a firefighter, rising through the ranks over the past 26 years to the post of battalion chief.
"Eric Rockfeld has been an important member of the Gainesville Fire Department; he came up through the ranks serving in all stages to include firefighter, driver, lieutenant, captain and battalion chief," said Gainesville Fire Chief Jerome Yarbrough in a recent press statement. “He is a great leader of people and leads by example. I have the utmost confidence in Chief Rockfeld to continue his leadership and help guide the department in a positive way.”
Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey said the city was fortunate to have several great internal candidates express interest in the position, but in the end, it was Rockfeld who stood out as the next deputy fire chief.
"He has demonstrated his ability to think strategically which, combined with his initiative and drive to take on challenging issues, causes me to be enthusiastic about the future of the Gainesville Fire Department,” Lackey said.
In his new role, Rockfeld’s responsibilities will include having command over the operation division and taking on various administrative duties.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the deputy fire chief for the city of Gainesville,” Rockfeld said.
Rockfeld resides in Hall County with his wife Melanie and their two sons Sam and Will
