A Message From the Chief

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Emergency Services Director. As I reflect on the dedication and hard work of our Firefighter EMT’s, Firefighter Paramedics, Fire and Life Safety Personnel, and support staff, I am reminded of the tremendous responsibility we bear in safeguarding the lives, property, and well-being of the citizens of Dawson County. Every day, our team stands ready to respond to emergencies, and I am proud of the professionalism and commitment they demonstrate in doing so.

The role of an all-hazard emergency services department goes far beyond responding to fires. We are first responders for medical emergencies, accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. We are here to protect you from the unexpected and to support you during the most challenging times. But just as importantly, we are focused on prevention and education. Education is key to keeping our community safe, and we work tirelessly to raise awareness about fire safety and preparedness.

It is essential that we all take proactive steps to reduce risks in our homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. Simple yet effective measures such as ensuring that smoke alarms are working, establishing a fire escape plan, and educating children on fire safety can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Fire safety isn’t just about what happens during a crisis—it begins long before the first alarm sounds. By working together, we can help prevent many emergencies from happening in the first place.

In addition to fire prevention, I encourage everyone to be aware of other potential risks, such as home heating safety during the colder months, wildfire preparedness in dry seasons, and water safety around pools, rivers and lakes. A prepared community is a safer community, and we all have a role to play in building that resilience.

As your Emergency Services Director, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our department remains at the forefront of innovation and training. The world of firefighting and EMS are constantly evolving, and we continually invest in new technologies, specialized training, and equipment that enable us to respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively. We are also working hard to build relationships with other county departments, local agencies, and community groups, so we can provide the best possible service when it’s needed most.

I am incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us and for the support we receive from our community and elected officials. Whether it’s through participating in fire prevention programs, or simply staying informed about safety practices, each of you plays an important role in making our community safer. Your involvement makes a real difference.

Looking ahead, I remain focused on ensuring that our fire department is appropriately staffed, and equipped with the resources and training needed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We will continue to adapt and grow in response to community growth and emerging risks, and we will be ready to answer the call when you need us most.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we can continue to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community.

Sincerely,

Troy D. Leist

Emergency Services Director

Dawson County Emergency Services

Dawson County Fire & Emergency Services is committed to the preservation of life and the protection of property for all citizens and visitors of Dawson County. The Emergency Services department consists of the following divisions:

• Administration
• Fire/Rescue
• Emergency Medical Services
• Emergency Management Agency

Dawson County Fire & Emergency Services proudly provides service to the residents and visitors of Dawson County, as well as the City of Dawsonville. Our coverage area totals 211 square miles, including Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and over 50 miles of shoreline on Lake Sydney Lanier. Lake Lanier is the most visited Corps of Engineers Lake in the United States, attracting over two million visitors annually. DCFES operates eight fire stations, of which six are staffed by career members, and two are supported by volunteers. Approximately 90 paid and volunteer members of the department respond to approximately 5,300 calls for service annually.

Dawson County has been rated as an ISO Class 3 Fire Department. This community rating, also called the Public Protection Class, is determined by the combined scores awarded to the fire and water departments, as well as the 911 center, and enables our residents and businesses to receive lower insurance premiums and superior service.

The department was created in 2002 by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners when the fire department, ambulance service, and emergency management agency were consolidated into one department. DCFES serves as an aid to the community and is recognized by many local organizations for its expansive involvement in the community. Each year the staff collects funds through boot drives for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation, and KARE for Kids. The agency also participates in a variety of programs with the local school system, career fairs, and offers learning opportunities.