Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services Chief Freddy Howell to retire

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – After nearly 12 years of service, Chief Freddy Howell of the Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services has announced his retirement.

Chief Howell, who will be stepping down from his role to pursue opportunities in the private sector, has been an integral part of the Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services.

During his leadership, Chief Howell led the department through a period of significant growth and development and guided the department through challenges such as two major hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a destructive tornado in 2022 that impacted northern Bryan County.

Chief Howell also oversaw the expansion and modernization of the department’s infrastructure. This included the addition of a new fire station and the renovation of existing stations, resulting in a total of ten stations strategically located across the county.

Additionally, his efforts secured crucial grants that expanded the department’s team of firefighters from 36 to over 100, enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Also under Chief Howell’s direction, Bryan County Fire & Emergency Services introduced specialized teams such as a marine rescue team, SWAT Medic Team, and a dive team, enhancing their ability to respond to diverse emergency situations.

Furthermore, Chief Howell prioritized continuous training and certification for staff, ensuring high standards of service and professionalism.

Chief Howell also spearheaded the modernization of medical equipment and the expansion of the department’s fleet. This included acquiring new tanker/tenders, doubling the number of ambulances, and upgrading critical ambulance equipment to improve patient care and emergency response efficiency.

Beyond operational achievements, Chief Howell emphasized community engagement and outreach. Events such as “Breakfast with Santa” and “Neighborhood Santa Rides” became cherished traditions, fostering strong bonds between the department and residents.

The Bryan County Board of Commissioners and staff express their gratitude to Chief Howell for his dedicated service and leadership.

The department says Chief Howell’s legacy of innovation, resilience, and community commitment will endure as it continues its mission to protect and serve Bryan County residents.