Melvin promoted to Asst. Fire Chief

Melvin will oversee the Operations Division, which includes fire suppression, emergency medical services, education and safety. “We are privileged to have Mark as our Assistant Chief,” said Chief Robert Post. “He will be a great asset to the Barrow County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. During his career with Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services, Melvin has worked up through the ranks holding the positions of Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and now Assistant Chief. He was appointed to the Barrow County Emergency Management Agency as Deputy Director in August of 2005 and is an active member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee. “I am looking forward to working as the Assistant Chief as this Department grows,” said Melvin. “To be the first Assistant Chief in a growing organization like ours is very exciting.” He is a Certified Emergency Manager, holds an Associates Degree in both Fire Science and Arts and is currently working towards a Bachelor in Management degree. Melvin has attended many classes at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and in July he will be making his first trip to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Melvin began his fire career when he joined the Navy in 1992 and was assigned to a shipboard firefighting detail. He served through 1996. After leaving the Navy, Melvin attended college working on a Wildlife Management Degree. With firefighting in his blood, he started volunteering as a firefighter with the Oconee County Fire Department in 1997. He continued with Oconee County through 2005 and has recently returned as a volunteer. In 1998 he started as a fulltime firefighter with the City of Smyrna where he received his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 2000 Melvin came to Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services. He obtained his Paramedic Certification in 2001. He and his wife Beth have been married for 5 years. They have a 4 year old daughter and a 9 month old son.