After 25 years of protecting our community, Assistant Fire Chief Reco Stephens is stepping into a new journey in life – retirement. Our Fire Department celebrated Chief Stephens’ last day on Friday, January 24, with cake, snacks, and fond memories.
“Chief Stephens made a huge impact on our department in so many ways,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “He has always gone above and beyond for his team, no matter what. We will miss him, but he deserves all the best in his new journey.”
Chief Stephens graduated at the top of his recruit class in November of 1999 and quickly showed determination and dedication to serve his community. On March 30, 2022, he was appointed Assistant Fire Chief, overseeing nine Battalion Chiefs, 22 Fire Stations, the overall planning, organizing, and the evaluation of all emergency operations, including fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials mitigation throughout Macon-Bibb County.
“This job gave me purpose,” said Chief Stephens told his colleagues and family. “Being part of something bigger than yourself.”
The Southwest High School graduate quickly made an impact in his department as he chosen as “Rookie Firefighter of the Year for 2000” and “Firefighter of the Year for 2001” by the Bibb County Exchange Club. His Rescue Unit was recognized by the Georgia State Firefighters’ Association for the “Lifesaving Award in 2003 and 2004”. He was honored with the “Randy Cox Memorial Award” from the Insurance Professionals of Middle Georgia in 2004. He was named “Firefighter of the Year” in 2005 from the Shield Club and nominated for the Georgia State Firefighters’ Association “Firefighter of the Year Award” in 2008. He was also honored with the 1st Annual “Lt. Randy Parker Heroes’ Award in 2017” from the American Red Cross and he received the “Shield Club Hometown Hero Award in 2021”.
“It was the Fire Department that made me,” Chief Stephens said.
He earned an associate degree in Paramedicine and Applied Science from Central Georgia Technical College and received a bachelor’s degree in public safety and emergency management at Mercer University. He is finishing his master’s in public administration from Columbia Southern University. Stephens has his Georgia Fire Chief and Fire Officer IV Certification. Furthermore, he is a Level III Paramedic Instructor, Georgia P.O.S.T Instructor, Structural Fire Instructor I & II, AHA Certified CPR/ACLS Instructor, and Nationally Registered Paramedic. He currently serves as a member of the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team, Swift Water Dive Team, and Bibb County Sheriff SWAT Team.
While he earned many certifications and awards, his best accomplishment today is being a husband and a father to four children, who he will now get to spend more time with. However, his fire department family will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I love y’all, and I love this community,” said Chief Stephens.