GAINESVILLE – Members of the Gainesville City Council were formally introduced to the city’s next fire chief at Tuesday evening’s voting session.
Gainesville Fire Captain Brandon Ellis will assume the role of Fire Chief on January 1, 2022, immediately upon the retirement of longtime Fire Chief Jerome Yarbrough. Yarbrough began his career with the Gainesville Fire Department in 1984, working his way up the chain of command, eventually becoming the city’s first African-American fire chief.
City Manager Bryan Lackey told city council his staff’s search for the next fire chief was exhaustive, comprehensive and prayerfully undertaken. “After going through this process I feel confident tonight that I can say that I believe the Almighty has once again sent us the right person.”
Ellis, who resides in Clermont with his wife and two daughters, joined GFD in 2004 following three years as a firefighter with the Hall County Fire Department.
Lackey said Ellis, “…presented a clear vision and a strategy to take Gainesville into the future and build upon what Jerome (Yarbrough) has done for Gainesville Fire.”
Ellis addressed the city council saying he understands the challenges ahead, but he is ready. “In a few months the Gainesville Fire Department is going to be 146-years old, and that’s not a small feat to accomplish in today’s environment. But the one thing that is important is the foundation of the Gainesville Fire Department has been unwavering the whole time, and that’s the service that we provide.”
“And it’s not just how we do things but who we do them for,” Ellis added. “It’s the family, the friends, the people that chose to work, live and play here. We’re here to serve them…to give them that security and that peace of mind.”
“Jerome’s got some huge shoes to fill but I’m confident the department can move forward and I’m excited about the future and everything it holds,” Ellis said.
While Mayor Danny Dunagan voiced sadness over Yarbrough’s departure, he expressed confidence in the city’s ability to replace him with a strong, capable and motivated leader who puts Gainesville and its people first.
“We look forward to seeing Captain Ellis build upon the solid foundation laid by Chief Yarbrough during his nearly four decades with the City,” Dunagan said in a media release.
Dunagan added, “Through the years, GFD has maintained an ISO Rating of 1, a well-trained staff, plus world-class equipment and facilities. Chief Yarbrough has set Capt. Ellis up for success in more ways than one, and I’m excited to see him make the department his own while also taking it to new heights.”
According to the city Ellis will spend the remainder of 2021 shadowing Yarbrough.
