Our Fire Department welcomed its newest Deputy Chief with a special ceremony at Headquarters on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Ron Smith, Jr. is a third-generation Macon-Bibb fire fighter who worked his way up the ranks during the course of his 20 years. He most recently as the Division Chief of Training, helping open the Department’s new, state-of-the-art, #SPLOST-funded Training Center on Tinker Drive.  

“I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to see this department and community grow into what it has the potential to be. The Fire Department is the heartbeat of our community because we are involved in it at every level, from responding to fires to inspecting buildings for safety to education to parades and more,” says Chief Smith. “I’m just proud to be part of something that helps my community in such an amazing way.”   

“We have some great leaders in our Fire Department; we continue to grow our own and I’m exctied about that,” Mayor Lester Miller told the crowd. “We want to wish you well, we’ll be there for you, and we’re going to give you all the tools you need to do this job. We’ll always have your back.” 

Before talking about Chief Smith, Fire Chief Shane Edwards talked to the recruits and privates in the room.  

“This is the tradition of our Fire Department, training each of you so one day you can sit up here and take charge,” he told them. He then let them know it was Chief Smith’s grandfather, Chief Wendell Harvey, that gave the charge to Chief Edwards’ recruit class to begin getting ready to lead. “To see Chief Smith follow in his footsteps, to become a chief so young, that speaks volumes right there about this family and their dedication to this Fire Department.” 

“We’re thankful for Chief Smith’s commitment and dedication to the department and our community, and we’re all looking forward to his leadership,” says Fire Chief Shane Edwards. 

“I’m here to extend my hand and say I look forward to working with you, and helping you make sure your department has what it needs to do its job,” County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett told him after letting him know he was entering a whole new world of administration. 

As Deputy Chief, he will oversee the numerous administrative divisions in the department, including: fire prevention, training, fleet management, arson investigation, and special operations. 

To watch the full ceremony, visit the Fire Department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/maconbibbcountyfiredepartment.  

About Deputy Chief Ronald Smith, Jr. 
Ronald Smith, Jr., a native of Macon, Ga, graduated from Windsor Academy in 2002. He followed his family tradition and became a third-generation firefighter for the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department on November 3, 2003. He has risen through the ranks of Private, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Division Chief of Training. On May 1, 2024, he was appointed to the position of Deputy Fire Chief by Fire Chief Shane Edwards. 

Chief Smith is a 20-year veteran of the Macon Bibb County Fire Department. He earned his Bachelors in Fire and Emergency Services Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration. His certifications and professional affiliations include, but are not limited to: Georgia Fire Chief Designation, Fire Officer Level 4, Instructor 2, Fire Inspector 1, Plans Examiner 1, Fire Safety Educator 1, EMT-I, and EMS Instructor,. Chief Smith is a member of the Georgia Search and Rescue Team, Commander of the Department’ss Honor Guard Team, and a District Vice President for the Georgia Firefighters Association. Chief Smith continues to work to improve the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department so that it will continue to make excellence their daily standard.