The history of fire service associations in Georgia dates back to 1952 when Chief Howard Schaffer and others formed the “Georgia Fireman’s Association.” As that association grew and prospered the Chief’s felt they needed their own ‘association’ and thus the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs was incorporated in 1970. Both associations work closely together to advance fire service in Georgia.
The GAFC is comprised of career, combination and volunteer Chiefs with a common goal of bettering the fire service and its service delivery to the citizens of Georgia. There are several categories of membership so that anyone with that goal in mind can become a member and serve in the advancement and safety of the finest group of first responders in America.
GAFC participates in two annual conferences; the Spring Executive Development Session for Chief Officers and since 1997 has held the Georgia Fire Service Conference and Expo in conjunction with the Georgia State Firefighters Association.
GAFC is governed by an elected Board comprised of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Immediate Past President, eight District Vice-Presidents and an appointed Parliamentarian and Chaplain. GAFC contracts with the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for associational management and our headquarters is located at the GMA offices in Atlanta.
Currently GAFC represents over 900 chief fire officers in Georgia.