FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 21, 2025
Wildfire readiness in South Georgia is getting a fresh study. The Georgia Forestry Commission has promoted a seasoned wildland firefighter and Coast Guard veteran to the post of its 35-county Region 3. The Region encompasses an area from Macon south to the Florida-Georgia line and I-75 east to the Chattahoochee River.
“We are excited that Chad Brackin has accepted the role of Fire Management Officer for Southwest Georgia,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “Chad brings a wealth of experience to this position, where he’ll be responsible for wildfire suppression and prevention plans among other critical duties.”
Brackin’s prior experience includes serving 13 years in the US Coast Guard. There, he specialized in search and rescue missions and law enforcement. He consistently demonstrated his commitment to rapid response and public safety, leading him to join the Georgia Forestry Commission in 2015 as a ranger. Successively gaining expertise in wildfire management and incident command operations, he became Chief Ranger of GFC’s Early/Miller Unit in 2019.
Brackin has advanced skills in managing complex fire incidents and holds distinctive certifications in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. His qualifications include Task Force Leader, Engine Boss, and ranking for Incident Command Team 4. In his position as Fire Management Officer, he will also ensure operations safety and performance, environmental stewardship, and equipment readiness.
Brackin is committed to good community communications and will be visible at landowner meetings and local events. As a Colquitt native, he looks forward to enhancing those relationships.
“This is my home,” said Brackin. “I was born in Miller County and my family and I live here. We love it.”
Brackin and his wife, Mallory, have five children. In addition to enjoying family time, Brackin said he is an avid outdoor enthusiast and hunting and fishing are favorite activities.
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