Edward O'Brien

Edward O'Brien serves as Fire Chief for DeKalb County Fire Rescue.  As Fire Chief, Chief O'Brien is responsible for approximately 900 personnel and the daily operation of 26 Fire Rescue stations, operating 68 emergency response units.

Chief O'Brien is a 25-year veteran of DeKalb Fire Rescue, most recently serving as Acting Fire Chief.  During his tenure with DeKalb County, Chief O'Brien has been a member of the Dive Team, HazMat Operations, and was an original member and instrumental in starting up the Technical Rescue Team.  He holds an associate degree in Fire Science and a bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety with a concentration in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Active in the community, Chief O'Brien serves on the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) metro executive council, the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), as well as several other projects and committees.  Chief O'Brien is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Fire Chiefs Association, the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association.

Departmental Summary - DeKalb County Fire Rescue

Operating from 26 stations, DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department's 921 highly trained personnel provide all hazard emergency responses for the citizens and visitors of DeKalb County.  These services include, advanced life support and basic life support response and transport, fire prevention, fire suppression, fire investigation, Technical Rescue, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Unit, K-9 Search and Rescue, SWAT Medical support and hazardous material response.  These services allow DCFR to meet is mission of Saving Lives and Protecting Property.  DCFR is the ninth busiest fire and rescue department in the U.S. in overall responses according to Firehouse Magazine's 2009 Annual Run Survey.