The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Fred Cephas as the next Gwinnett County Fire Chief.
According to a press release from the county, Russell Knick, who has served as chief since 2018, will move to a leadership position within the county administrator's office. Cephas will be the first Black fire chief in Gwinnett County's history, according to the release.
“As a county employee, I fondly remember Chief Cephas’ work ethic and his ability to connect with colleagues and residents in our community,” Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said. “He is truly a servant leader, and that is a trait we value when training successors for key roles in Gwinnett County.”
“With his military background and over 20 years of experience in Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services, Fred brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role as chief,” Stephens said. “As deputy chief, he strengthened operations within the department and increased trust within the community, and I look forward to seeing where he leads the department in the future. At the same time, we are fortunate to retain Russell’s experience and leadership as he transitions into a new role.”
The release said Cephas found his passion to serve in 1996 when he joined the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy where he trained as a Department of Defense Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. He then worked at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as a first responder.
Following his military service, Cephas served the Winston-Salem Fire Department before joining Gwinnett County.
"He then rose through the ranks of the department, serving in various capacities including strategic planning, accreditation management, operations and as a licensed polygraphist," the release reads. "Since 2020 he has served as second in command as deputy fire chief."
Cephas' priorities are continuing to work on retention and team building with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and supporting other departments and agencies in the county government. His promotion is effective April 1.
