Fire Chief James Robinson has been committed to public safety since 2003 and has been a part of Rockdale County Fire Rescue since 2008. He has progressed through various roles to attain the position of Fire Chief, where he oversees fiscal management, operational strategies, strategic planning, and administrative functions. Fire Chief Robinson is instrumental in defining the department's goals, vision, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering leadership development within the team.

Fire Chief Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and is actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University (Command College). Fire Chief Robinson holds both National Registry and State of Georgia Paramedic licenses. He has received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Commission on Professional Credentialing of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program through the National Fire Administration. Additionally, he holds credentials as a Georgia Fire Chief Officer. In 2022, he was recognized as the Fire Chief Officer of the Year award.

Deputy Chief Jackson has been a steadfast advocate for public safety since 1998, having retired from another agency as an Assistant Chief of Support Services. Over her career, she was promoted through the ranks serving as Fire-Medic, Fire Apparatus Driver, Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, Hazardous Material Technician, Fire Lieutenant, Training Fire Captain, and the Section Chief of Community Risk Reduction.

In 2022, she joined the Rockdale County Fire Rescue and is presently the Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. As the Chief of Administration, she oversees the day-to-day operations for the fire marshal’s division, fire human resources, fire account contracts/vendors, background and recruitment. Chief Jackson manages internal professional standards, compliance adherences, policies review and development, insurance service Office (ISO), contributes to budgetary preparation and strategic planning initiatives.

Deputy Chief Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Public Safety from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Columbus University (Command College). She is also a graduate of the Carl Holmes Professional Development Institute. Chief Jackson possesses both National Registry and State of Georgia Paramedic licenses and has received various certifications and accolades throughout her career. She is also qualified to instruct Basic Life Support (BLS), Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) courses.

Deputy Chief Jackson is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Atlanta Training Officers, National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council, and Women in Fire Service.

Deputy Fire Chief Richard Pickens serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations and has been committed to public safety and part of Rockdale County Fire Rescue since 2013. He has progressed through various roles to attain the position of Deputy Fire Chief, where he directs, supervises, and assesses the daily oversight of 6 Battalion Chiefs of the largest division's field operations, as well as managing the Assistant Chief of Support Services, Fleet Maintenance, Fire Logistics, and Fire/EMS Training.

He is tasked with commanding over 140 sworn personnel with functions related to fire response, rescue operations, disaster response, hazmat, protection of life and property, emergency medical assistance, and administrative responsibilities. Fire Chief Robinson is instrumental in defining the department's goals and vision, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering leadership development within the team.

Deputy Fire Chief Pickens holds an Associate's Degree of Applied Science and is actively pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management from Columbia Southern University. Deputy Fire Chief Pickens holds both National Registry and State of Georgia EMT licenses. He was recognized as the Rockdale County Fire Officer of the Year in 2021 for his willingness to serve and provide leadership to Rockdale County Fire Rescue. He is also actively pursuing his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Commission on Professional Credentialing of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

Assistant Chief Nick Lynn has been dedicated to public safety since 2009 and has served with Rockdale County Fire Rescue since 2011. He began his fire service career as a volunteer with Oconee County Fire Rescue, where he developed a strong foundation in emergency response and community service.

Throughout his career, Chief Lynn has gained extensive experience in technical rescue operations, spending the majority of his time operating the department’s heavy rescue unit. He holds advanced certifications, including National Registry Paramedic and Georgia Certified Registered Nurse, highlighting his comprehensive expertise in both fire and emergency medical services.

Chief Lynn has progressed through a variety of operational and leadership roles to attain his current position as Assistant Chief. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he also serves as the County Fire Marshal, overseeing the Fire Marshal Division.

In his capacity as Fire Marshal, he is entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of the Fire Marshal Division, which encompasses fire inspections, public fire safety education, new construction assessments, plan reviews, code compliance enforcement, and fire investigations. He is distinguished by his diligent and proactive approach to upholding fire codes and conducting investigations, including the pursuit of legal action against individuals suspected of arson-related offenses.

Assistant Chief Lynn’s commitment to safety, education, and enforcement continues to play a vital role in protecting the residents and businesses of Rockdale County.

Assistant Chief Brandon Marlow serves as the Assistant Chief of Support Services for Rockdale County Fire Rescue (RCFR), bringing over 25 years of dedicated service to the department and the citizens of Rockdale County. Rising through the ranks from Firefighter to Assistant Chief, he has developed a deep understanding of fire service operations, leadership, and organizational management.

Chief Marlow oversees RCFR’s Emergency Services Division, the department’s largest division with approximately 150 personnel operating on a 24/48 schedule across three shifts and two Battalions per shift. Under his direction, six Battalion Chiefs manage 10 strategically placed fire stations and 11 emergency apparatus, with a 12th unit to be staffed upon completion of the Station 5 remodel.

He played a key role in improving RCFR’s ISO rating from a Class 3/3X to a Class 2/2X, and in 2024 led the successful Records Management System transition, enhancing efficiency and data management across the organization.

Chief Marlow holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Troy University, and multiple associate degrees from Georgia Perimeter College (now Georgia State University).

Chief Clay Yarbrough has served in public safety since 2004, beginning his career as a volunteer with the Newton County Fire Department. He was hired by Rockdale County Fire-Rescue in 2005. Over the years, he has developed extensive expertise in technical rescue operations and has spent much of his career involved with Special Operations. Chief Yarbrough holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Chief Yarbrough has been an adjunct instructor with the Georgia Fire Academy for 16 years, specializing in crash rescue and extrication, technical rope rescue, confined space, trench, structural collapse, and rescue systems. Since 2021, he has also served as a technical rescue instructor with a private training organization.

As Training Chief, he oversees all aspects of firefighter training and professional development. Known for his commitment to excellence and his passion for sharing knowledge, Chief Yarbrough exemplifies the Axiom of Leadership: “Whatever it takes.”