South Fulton didn't know it when they hired Freddie Broome in May, but the city got the best fire chief in Georgia that year.

Broome was named fire chief of the year at the 2019 Georgia Fire Service Conference in Albany earlier this month, according to the city.

His last day as chief of the Valdosta Fire Department was June 16 and his first day leading fire services in the city of 100,000 residents was June 17.

READ | City of South Fulton set to rename itself — again

READ | South Fulton OKs $377K armored vehicle; some say it's too 'militarized'

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by your colleagues for such a distinguished award. I will continue to be a committed and strong leader in the Fire Service as well as ensure the residents in the community I serve receive World Class services,” Broome said in a news release.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native was hired at age 46 with an annual salary of $125,000.

The opening was created by the retirement of Larry Few after 38 years of fire service.

Like North Fulton County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter

In other South Fulton news...

In 2017, just months after incorporating, the city tried and failed to change its name to Renaissance. This time around, Mayor Bill Edwards says there will be more community input.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools

Featured

A MARTA operator is seen inside the control room of one of the new MARTA trains during the unveiling of these trains on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez