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).