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DeKalb County Appoints Fire Chief as New Public Safety Director

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  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 15:23 GMT by FOX 5 Atlanta
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - February 15th, 2026 - In a move signaling a commitment to experienced leadership and departmental continuity, DeKalb County has announced the appointment of Fire Chief Darnell Fullum as the next Director of Public Safety. The announcement, made Friday, February 13th, 2026, confirms Fullum will succeed the retiring Ted Jackson, effective March 15th, 2026.

The selection of Fullum follows a comprehensive process involving multiple candidates and extensive input from key county leaders. CEO Michael Thurmond praised Fullum's qualifications, stating, "His experience and leadership qualities make him the ideal choice to lead our public safety agencies into the future." This isn't merely a change in personnel; it's a strategic decision built upon a decade of proven performance from Fullum within the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department.

A Decade of Leadership: Fullum's Tenure as Fire Chief

Fullum has served as DeKalb County Fire Chief since 2014, a period marked by significant modernization and expansion of the fire rescue service. During his tenure, the department has seen advancements in emergency medical services, increased focus on community risk reduction programs, and implementation of new technologies to improve response times and firefighter safety. He successfully navigated budgetary challenges, ensuring the department maintained a high level of operational readiness despite financial constraints.

Sources close to the department indicate that Fullum championed several key initiatives, including a proactive approach to fire prevention education within schools and a robust program to equip residents with CPR and basic first aid skills. His leadership style is characterized by collaboration and a dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment for firefighters and emergency personnel.

What This Means for DeKalb County Public Safety

Fullum's appointment as Director of Public Safety - a role overseeing not only the Fire Rescue Department but also the Police Department and potentially other public safety entities depending on the county's organizational structure - represents a move towards integrated public safety management. This approach emphasizes interagency cooperation, shared resources, and a unified strategy for addressing public safety challenges. Experts suggest that Fullum's background in fire service will bring a unique perspective to the director's role, potentially prioritizing proactive community engagement and preventative measures.

The transition comes as DeKalb County continues to experience population growth and increasing demands on its public safety resources. The county faces ongoing concerns related to traffic safety, property crime, and emergency preparedness for both natural disasters and man-made incidents. Fullum will be tasked with addressing these challenges while maintaining the high level of service residents expect.

Ted Jackson's Legacy and the Seamless Transition

Outgoing Director Ted Jackson is leaving behind a substantial legacy of his own, having served DeKalb County's public safety needs for many years. While details of Jackson's accomplishments are being compiled, sources confirm he was instrumental in securing funding for critical infrastructure improvements and establishing key partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions. The timing of the transition, with Jackson's departure on March 15th and Fullum assuming the role shortly thereafter, is designed to ensure a seamless transfer of knowledge and minimize any disruption to public safety services.

Fullum himself expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role, stating, "I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next director of public safety. I am committed to working collaboratively with our public safety agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of DeKalb County." This pledge to collaboration is seen as a positive sign, indicating Fullum intends to build upon the foundation laid by Jackson and foster a strong working relationship with all public safety personnel.

Looking Ahead: Potential Challenges and Opportunities

While Fullum's appointment is widely viewed as a positive step, he will face several key challenges in his new role. These include ongoing recruitment and retention of qualified public safety personnel, securing adequate funding for training and equipment, and adapting to evolving crime trends and emergency response technologies. Furthermore, maintaining public trust and transparency in law enforcement practices remains a critical priority.

However, Fullum also has several opportunities to further enhance DeKalb County's public safety infrastructure. These include exploring innovative approaches to crime prevention, leveraging data analytics to optimize resource allocation, and strengthening community policing initiatives. His deep understanding of the county's unique challenges and opportunities, combined with his proven leadership skills, positions him well to lead DeKalb County's public safety agencies into a new era of effectiveness and community engagement.