GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Jan. 3, 2022) – It’s official: the City of Gainesville has a new chief to lead the Gainesville Fire Department (GFD).
Former Gainesville Fire Capt. Brandon Ellis, of Clermont, assumed the chief’s role Jan. 1 following former Chief Jerome Yarbrough’s retirement Dec. 31, 2021. Ellis’ promotion was first announced Nov. 2, 2021, following a weeks-long internal search by Yarbrough and City management.
Ellis, who has 20 years of experience in public safety, had served in his previous role since June 2004. Prior to his career with the City, Ellis served as a firefighter for Hall County Fire Services from September 2001-June 2004.
“This community has grown vastly over my lifetime with one constant – the service that the Gainesville Fire Department has provided,” Ellis said. “Stepping into this exciting new chapter, I want to highlight the reasons why we serve: family, friends and community.”
A September 2020 graduate of Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala., Ellis has an associate of science in fire science. Ellis also graduated from Lanier Technical College in December 2001 where he gained the education and training required to become an emergency medical technician.
Prior to his departure, Yarbrough served the City 37 faithful years in different capacities with GFD, leaving behind a legacy of devoted public service. Having started as a firefighter in 1984, he worked his way up to become the first African-American chief in Gainesville’s 200-year history.