View Story Portlet

Fred Cephas makes history as new Gwinnett Fire Chief

Story Link: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/home/stories/viewstory/-/story/FredCephasMakesHistoryAsNewGwinnettFireChief

Fred Cephas was appointed as the new fire chief to lead Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services.

The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners approved the recommendation on Tuesday making Cephas the first Black Fire Chief in the County’s history.

“As a County employee, I fondly remember Chief Cephas’ work ethic and his ability to connect with colleagues and residents in our community,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “He is truly a servant leader, and that is a trait we value when training successors for key roles in Gwinnett County.”

Cephas brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role. His passion to serve ignited in 1996 when he joined the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy where he trained as a Department of Defense Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. This assignment led him to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as a first responder. Following his military service, the veteran firefighter served the Winston-Salem Fire Department before starting his career in Gwinnett in 2001. Cephas has served as second in command as deputy fire chief since 2020.

“As deputy chief, he strengthened operations within the department and increased trust within the community, and I look forward to seeing where he leads the department in the future,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.

Cephas has held various roles in Gwinnett Fire and EMS including strategic planning, accreditation management, operations and as a licensed polygraphist. Once his promotion takes effect April 1, his top priorities include continuing to work on retention and team building within Fire and Emergency Services and supporting other departments and agencies in the County.

“I’m committed to serving others – and at its core, that’s what public service and public safety are all about,” said Cephas. “I am truly honored and humbled to continue to serve the county that I love, while understanding there is still more work to be done.”

Russell Knick, who has served as chief since 2018, will move into a leadership position within the County Administrator’s Office.