Barrow County Fire Chief Alan Shuman, a veteran in fire service with a career span of nearly five decades, is set to retire on June 30. Chief Shuman's journey in fire safety began in November 1975, with the Hapeville Fire Department, and he climbed up the ladder to eventually become Fire Chief in Riverdale by 1992. His legacy includes serving as Georgia's Chief State Fire Marshal and leading initiatives that have substantially reduced fire-related fatalities in the state. He was even appointed by Presidents George W. Bush, and Barack Obama to be on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Safety Committee.
His impact on Barrow County's public safety environment is significant, having improved the department's service and implemented systems for better transparency. "Chief Shuman’s service to Barrow County and to the broader fire service community is nothing short of extraordinary," Srikanth Yamala, Barrow County Manager, told Barrow County News. He added, "His dedication, innovation, and compassion have touched countless lives and shaped the future of our department."
During Shuman's tenure with Barrow County, he has led several key projects, including the development of a fire training center, installation of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in emergency vehicles, and the achievement of an ISO rating improvement from 4 to 3. His initiatives also extended into the educational sphere, partnering with technical schools to offer Firefighter I and II certifications. Even in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, he partnered with EMA to ensure public safety and health.
In a statement that reflects his heartfelt commitment, Shuman said, "It has been an honor, and privilege to serve the citizens of Barrow County for the past 13 years. I am confident that the men and women who put on the uniform each and every day will continue providing the highest level of service now and into the future," as per Barrow County News.
