Barrow County Fire Chief to retire after nearly 50 years of service

The Barrow County Fire Chief will retire in June after serving in public safety and fire service for nearly 50 years. 

 

Chief Alan Shuman’s last day with the department will be June 30, 2025. 

 

"Chief Shuman’s service to Barrow County and to the broader fire service community is nothing short of extraordinary,” Srikanth Yamala, Barrow County Manager, said in a release. “His dedication, innovation, and compassion have touched countless lives and shaped the future of our department. We congratulate him on a distinguished career and wish him every happiness in retirement.”

 

Shuman began his fire service career in November 1975 with the City of Hapeville Fire Department, where he became a first-class firefighter and CPR instructor. He moved to the City of Riverdale in 1976, rising through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 1992. While at Riverdale, he focused on training, code enforcement, EMS development, and played a key role in founding Georgia’s statewide mutual aid group, serving as its first president.

 

Shuman was then appointed Chief of the State Fire Marshal’s office in 2000.  During his tenure, he served on the National Association of State Fire Marshals Board of Directors, ultimately becoming its president in 2009–10. 

 

 He was also appointed by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Safety Committee. 

 

Shuman then worked in fire consulting before joining Barrow County in 2012.  During his time with the department, he served as both a Fire Safety Officer and Fire Chief. 

 

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Barrow County for the past 13 years. I am confident that the men and women who put on the uniform each and every day will continue providing the highest level of service now and into the future,” said Shuman.