GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2022) – The City of Gainesville has a new deputy chief at the Gainesville Fire Department.
Promoted by new Gainesville Fire Chief Brandon Ellis, Zach Philyaw assumed the role of deputy fire chief in early February.
“Zach has been a member of the department for 20 years, and through those 20 years, he has garnered a tremendous amount of respect from everyone he has contact with,” Chief Ellis said. “The most common phrase you will hear from anyone who has interactions with Zach is that he is ‘real and genuine’. This personal connection will benefit the department for years to come by building upon our foundation of service to help future generations feel like they belong to a true family.”
Philyaw began his career with the Gainesville F.D. in January 2002, starting as a firefighter and working his way up to firefighter III/driver, a role in which he’s served the last 16 years. Before he came to the City, Philyaw worked briefly for Hall County Fire Services. He has also served on the Georgia Search and Rescue team for eight years.
“I’m humbled to be appointed deputy fire chief,” Philyaw said. “This department and city have been there for my family and I through some very hard times, and I owe them more than they will ever know. This department has a long history of first-class service to the community and its visitors. I will do everything I can to help Chief Ellis and the men and women of this department move forward and continue to provide the same quality of care and service as the City grows.”
In his new role, Philyaw’s responsibilities will include having command over the operation division and taking on various administrative duties.
In his spare time, the Hall County native enjoys the outdoors and family time with wife, Miranda, and son, Bryson.