Brandon Ellis assumed the role of fire chief for the City of Gainesville in January 2022. The fire chief oversees the running of the Gainesville Fire Department.
“As fire chief, my goal is to continue the level of service that is the foundation of the Gainesville Fire Department and has been for over 145 years,” he said.
Chief Ellis began his career with the Gainesville F.D. in 2004 after serving with Hall County Fire Services from 2001-04. Since that time, he’s held various positions, including that of Engineer (2008-12) and Lieutenant (2012-19). Chief Ellis most recently served as Captain (2019-21) prior to his latest promotion to fire chief. As a 17-year public safety veteran, he brings a clear vision and strategy to the organization and is excited about building on the legacy of the Gainesville F.D.
A graduate of North Hall High School (1999), Lanier Technical College - Emergency Medical Technician (2001) and Columbia Southern University - Fire Science (2020), Chief Ellis holds several certifications: Georgia Emergency Manager, NPQ Fire Officer IV Executive, Hazardous Materials Technician and Rope Rescue Technician.
A native of Hall County, Chief Ellis resides in Clermont with his wife, Dana, and two daughters, Caroline and Charlotte. Chief Ellis met his wife through the fire service when she served as a paramedic before finishing her nursing degree.
Chief Ellis enjoys spending time outdoors. You can often find him hunting, trout fishing and camping with family and friends. Chief Ellis spends most weekends with his family in the Great Smoky Mountains camping, fishing or riding the mountain roads in their Jeep seeking new adventures.