Our Department

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services provides fire protection and emergency medical services for a population of about 800,000 people with a force of 845 superbly trained men and women who are proactive and citizen-oriented. Responding to over 66,000 calls for help annually (4,845 total fire calls, 50,028 total EMS calls, including 34,512 medical transports, and 11,884 other calls). GCFS operates 30 strategically placed fire stations that include 30 engine companies, 10 ladder trucks, and 23 advanced life-support medical units.

In addition to providing basic fire and emergency services, trained teams are in place for technical rescue, hazardous materials, and swift-water rescue situations. The department’s own Fire Academy provides training far beyond state requirements and all firefighters receive further emergency medical care throughout their career at GCFES. All emergency response vehicles are staffed with EMTs and paramedics and carry essential medical equipment for advanced life support.

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services strongly supports efforts to prepare citizens for fire, medical emergencies, technological, and natural disasters. The Community Risk Reduction Section (Fire Marshal's Office) reviews building plans to address potential fire issues and inspects fire-protection systems in buildings. In addition, GCFES' community education programs offer many fire and life safety education programs at no cost.

Mission Statement Saving lives and protecting property. Vision Deliver the highest quality of service to all citizens. Values Truth, Trust, Respect, and Unity.

Before a full-time, paid fire department existed in Gwinnett County, each county district had its own fire plan and protection. In 1967, seven lives were lost in the Norcross area of the county due to fires. This prompted the county commissioners to offer districts a countywide fire protection plan. A countywide referendum was held in 1970 and failed by a four-to-one margin except in the Pinckneyville District. Commissioners made another effort to consolidate fire protection by mandating that if one district wanted fire protection by the county, individual districts could vote it in. In 1970, the Pinckneyville District was the first area to pass a vote in favor of county fire protection thus, the beginning of the Gwinnett County Fire Department. 

On March 30, 1971 at 10:15am the Gwinnett County Fire Department responded to its first alarm. Under contract with the City of Norcross, the new department had 10 firefighters, one engine, and a budget of $89,000. Over the next 10 years, the county fire department's protection was so well received by Gwinnett citizens and businesses alike that other cities and districts voted to be included in the county coverage. Thirty years later, the department, now known as the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, is the largest fire service district in the state of Georgia for the number of legal jurisdictions under one fire department.