Fire Department · Volunteer
Oconee County Fire Department
Watkinsville, GA · Oconee County
Oconee County Fire Rescue plans, coordinates, and delivers fire prevention and suppression across Oconee County, Georgia, just southwest of Athens. Its seven fire stations are staffed by roughly 180 volunteer firefighters and first responders who provide fire and EMS support countywide.
Beyond structure-fire response, the department maintains ISO records and works to improve the county's rating, coordinates joint training across all stations, delivers fire-safety classes to schools and daycares, works with local and state agencies on arson investigations, and recruits and trains new volunteer firefighters. Its mission is to save lives and property, provide the best possible emergency services, and promote fire safety.
MissionTo save lives and property, to strive to provide the best emergency services possible, and to promote fire safety to make Oconee County a safer place to live.
Oconee County Fire Rescue is volunteer-based, recruiting volunteer firefighters and first responders, and hires some full-time administrative staff.
How is Oconee County Fire Rescue staffed?
By about 180 volunteer firefighters and first responders across seven fire stations, plus some full-time administrative staff.
Who leads the department?
Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton, with Russ Henson as Fire Marshal.
How do I become a volunteer firefighter?
The department actively recruits and trains volunteer firefighters; a membership application is available on its website.