The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department hosted two days of events to honor Chief Marvin Riggins as he retires after more than 41 years of distinguished service. The opening ceremony was held at Headquarters Fire Station on Wednesday, December 16, and it can be watched on the Department’s Facebook page by clicking here.
“We saw people at their absolute worst, and we tried to make it a little better. Across this country, our community is known for you all,” Chief Riggins told the assembled firefighters.
“Thank you, Chief, for being a hands-on leader. Thank you for all your service, all your dedication to this organization,” said Assistant Chief Shane Edwards before they asked Chief Riggins to unveil a special display in his honor.
“One of the best things I ever did was to appoint Marvin Riggins as Chief,” Mayor Reichert told the assembled guests. “Nobody can doubt his commitment to this organizations. His expertise in every facet of this operation is absolutely incredible.”
“A lot of people spend time making their presence known; I will say that you are the person that makes your absence felt,” County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett told the Chief. “Several times, I’ve had to ask myself. ‘what would Chief Riggins do in this situation? How would he want me to respond?’ I’ve always appreciated that high standard you’ve held me to.”
“You are a friend and a dedicated public servant,” Sheriff David Davis told the Chief. “I appreciate what you’ve done, and I appreciate your friendship.”
Chief Riggins then visited greeted firefighters from Battalion 21 Companies at Headquarters Fire Station, Battalion 22 Companies at the Bert Bivins Fire Station on Napier Avenue, and Battalion 23 Companies at the Joe Allen Fire Station on Heath Road.
About Chief Marvin Riggins
Chief Riggins began his career with the fire department in 1979. He rose through the ranks from Private, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Chief of Training, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire Chief of the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department. In 2014, he was reappointed to the Office of Fire Chief for the New Consolidated Government of Macon-Bibb County by the Honorable Mayor Robert A. B. Reichert.
Chief Riggins’ educational background is: Graduate of Central Georgia Technical College; an A.S. Degree from Macon State College; and a B.S. and Master’s Degree in Governmental Public Administration from Georgia College and State University.
Chief Riggins has received numerous awards throughout his career. He is a three-time Firefighter of the Year, Recipient of the Macon Optimist Community Service Award, the Shields Club Award, Paramedic of the Year Award, 2009 Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs President Award, 2016 Georgia Fire Chief of the Year, 2016 Georgia Fire Chief’s Designation Certification, 2017 Special Presidential Award from the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, and on July 25, 2017 he was chosen as the International Association of Fire Chief’s Career Fire Chief of The Year.
He is a member of “Who’s Who in Leadership of America.” Chief Riggins also volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Georgia as well as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Cancer Society. He is a longtime advocate and now Board Member of United Way of Central Georgia, First Choice Primary Care, and the Georgia State Firefighters Association. He’s a member of the Epsilon Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.