On January 19, 2022, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department officially welcomed and swore in its new Chief, Shane Edwards.
Chief Edwards was surrounded by his family, firefighter family, and local officials at the Fire Department headquarters as he changed jackets and pins, and was sworn in by Mayor Lester Miller.
“I had the ability to watch him work throughout the year, and I appreciate the fine work he does as a fireman and as a leader, but I like to look at a person’s character, their integrity, what they’re doing when we’re not watching,” said Mayor Miller at the ceremony. Mayor Miller went on to tell the story of how he called Chief Edwards, who was Interim Chief at the time, for help at the Brookdale Resource Center. Mayor Miller says before he could arrive to the center, Chief Edwards and 10 other firefighters were already there, ready to help with whatever they can.
“I looked at that character, the integrity, some things you can’t see on a piece of paper. I saw what Chief Edwards would do for his community and we are very lucky to have him as our Chief,” said Mayor Miller.
Chief Edwards had his wife, daughter, and parents in attendance. His wife, Mickey, has been a part of every promotional pinning ceremony he has had at the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department. His daughter, Emily, was able to pin him when he became Assistant Chief in 2013, Interim Chief in 2021, and then pinned him when he became Chief.
“All those occasions mean the world to me knowing that you were there and that you understood,” Chief Edwards told Emily. “I appreciate you allowing me to fulfill my passion as a firefighter for this department.”
“I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to focus on my career,” Chief Edwards told his wife Mickey. “Let me tell you all, I’m only able to stand here today because of my wife Mickey. I thank you and I love you for that.”
Chief Edwards went on to thank everyone who has made this opportunity possible for him, including his parents.
“I accept this position and the challenges that come with my position because I’m proud. I am proud to serve as Fire Chief and I’m proud to wear this uniform with this American flag,” said Chief Edwards. “I am able to stand here and say, I am Fire Chief Edwards. I will always place the vision and mission of this organization first. I will always be available and I will always be accessible. I will always pray that our firefighters return safe to headquarters so that they can return safe to their homes and their families the next shift.”
Chief Edwards is a native of Macon, Georgia and graduated from Central High School in 1987. Shortly after graduating, he began his career with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, rising through the ranks as a Private, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Fire Chief before being appointed Interim Fire Chief by the Honorable Lester M. Miller on January 1, 2021.
Chief Edwards’ educational background and Specialized Training in Fire Service has earned him several notable certifications such as State Certified Firefighter, National and State Recognized Emergency Medical Technician, CPR Instructor, Swift Water Rescue Diver, Hazardous Material Technician, and Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Task Force team member. Chief Edwards has earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science and his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.
While serving as a GSAR Task Force Leader, Chief Edwards was deployed to St. Simons Island to aid public safety officials at the G-8 Summit in June of 2005. Three months later he was deployed and assisted in the Rescue and Recovery efforts of Hurricane Katrina victims in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
Chief Edwards has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. He has been named Firefighter of the Year by the VFW Post 658 and Firefighter of the Year by the Macon Evening Lions Club and is the recipient of the Macon Exchange Club Service Award.