This week we’re shining our Staff Spotlight on Macon-Bibb County Fire Department’s (MBCFD) Battalion Chief Jeffery Sanders, who has been serving our community as a firefighter for 34 years.
When Battalion Chief Sanders is not protecting and serving our community in uniform, he’s helping the community in other ways. He has chaired numerous committees and charitable events such as the MBCFD Annual Golf tournament and the Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Fry which both benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 
His dedication to these events started with his son Brandon, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Since Battalion Chief Sanders became part of the MBCFD Annual Golf tournament, he has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars towards MDA. As he is retiring in September, this year’s tournament on August 27, will be the last he helps lead.
“I’ve spent more than half my life with this department, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It really hasn’t hit me yet, that I’m retiring. I’m going to miss it,” said Battalion Chief Sanders. “All of the firefighters are like family to me. You spend so much time with the people you work with. You rely on each other so much. You learn so much about each other. They’re like brothers and sisters really. I’m so thankful.”
As a Macon native, he graduated from Southwest High School in 1984, then went to Middle Georgia State University to work on an Associate Degree in Fire Science. He joined the MBCFD in 1987 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2006, Lieutenant in 2009, Captain in 2014, and Battalion Chief in 2016.
Battalion Chief Sanders is Firefighter 1 & 2, Fire Officer 1, C.P.R./AED, EMT certified, HazMat, GSAR, Smoke Diver, Dive Team Instructor/member, Field Training Officer, Rapid Intervention Techniques (R.I.T.) and ARFF certified. He is also a C.P.R. and Live Fire Instructor.
“Sanders demonstrates extremely high work ethics, and his dependability is impeccable,” said Interim Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “He demonstrates exceptional deeds throughout his community and desires nothing more than to serve and protect the lives and property of people in Macon–Bibb County. We are so proud to have him on our team.”
Battalion Chief Sanders says he plans to take it easy after retiring and enjoy his extra free time with his family, but he still plans to be involved in the community.
On behalf of your Macon-Bibb County family, congratulations Battalion Chief Sanders! Thank you for your 34 years of service.