Fire Department · Combination
Dawson County Emergency Services - Fire/Rescue Division
Dawsonville, GA · Dawson County
Operates 8 fire stations; responds to approximately 5,500-6,000 calls for service annually.
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Department careers page ↗Dawson County Emergency Services (DCES) is the county's combination fire-rescue and EMS agency, operating eight fire stations across the city of Dawsonville and surrounding Dawson County. Six stations are staffed around the clock by career personnel, while the remaining two rely on volunteer firefighters backed up by career staff, reflecting the department's blended service-delivery model for a growing North Georgia county.
On the EMS side, DCES runs four paramedic-level ambulances and a paramedic-level engine daily, all equipped with cardiac monitors and mechanical chest-compression devices for pre-hospital patient care. The department also contributes cardiac-arrest data to the International Cardiac Arrest Data Registry through a partnership with Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and its EMS Medical Director oversees treatment protocols and quality assurance for patient care. Beyond emergency response, crews handle community risk reduction, fire-code enforcement through the Fire Marshal's Office, and public fire-safety education.
DCES leans heavily on its volunteer program to extend coverage, assigning Support and Suppression volunteer firefighters to the station nearest their homes and running local recruit classes as applications warrant. All personnel, career and volunteer alike, complete a minimum of 240 hours of training annually at the department's own Training Center at Station 7 — a facility with a burn building, a firefighter safety and survival structure, and flammable-liquids training props — supplemented by regional courses and instruction through the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.
Dawson County Emergency Services hires both career and volunteer firefighters/EMTs/paramedics. Career openings (including EMS and fire-rescue roles) are posted on the county's general job board alongside other county departments; volunteer Support and Suppression Firefighter positions are filled through locally held recruit classes as applications warrant, with volunteers assigned to the station nearest their residence.
Benefits
As a Dawson County government department, DCES employees receive the county's standard pay and benefits package administered by county Human Resources, which describes its aim as providing "competitive pay and benefits" to employees.
How many fire stations does Dawson County Emergency Services operate?
DCES operates 8 fire stations across the city of Dawsonville and Dawson County. Six stations are staffed 24/7 with career responders, while two are covered by volunteers with career staff backup.
Does Dawson County Emergency Services accept volunteer firefighters?
Yes. DCES uses volunteer Support and Suppression Firefighters as part of its service delivery plan, assigning volunteers to the station nearest their residence. Recruit classes are held locally as applications warrant.
How much training do DCES personnel complete?
Members complete a minimum of 240 hours of training annually, covering fire suppression, basic and advanced EMS care, technical rescue, and hazardous materials, delivered through the department's own Training Center at Station 7, regional courses, and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.
How many calls does Dawson County Emergency Services respond to each year?
The department responds to approximately 5,500 to 6,000 calls for service annually, including EMS, rescue, fire, and other service calls throughout Dawson County.
Who leads Dawson County Emergency Services?
The department is led by Fire Chief Troy Leist, who also serves as EMA Director.