June 05, 2019
City Manager Warren Hutmacher announced his appointment of Chris Coons as the new fire chief for the City of Johns Creek. Coons served as assistant fire chief for Johns Creek since 2012 and brings more than 26 years of professional experience to the position.
Coons began his fire department career with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD). After a successful career with AFRD where he held various operations, investigative, and supervisory roles, Coons joined the newly formed Johns Creek Fire Department (JCFD) in 2008 as a captain.
“I am excited to appoint Chris Coons as the third fire chief in the city’s twelve-year history. With 26 years of experience in the fire service, as well as his valuable contributions as part of the command staff with the JCFD, he has fully earned this important position,” said Johns Creek City Manager Warren Hutmacher. “Chris is a thoughtful leader and a talented professional who brings an intimate understanding of what it takes to run a full-service department along with an appreciation for the exceptional level of service Johns Creek residents expect and deserve.”
In his previous role as assistant chief he managed the administrative division of the Johns Creek Fire Department, overseeing training, special teams, budgeting, records management, and the support/technical services division to include the fire marshal’s office and emergency medical services (EMS) division. Chief Coons has served as the department’s interim fire chief since January of 2019.
“The members of our City Council and I are familiar with the outstanding commitment and dedication Chris has shown throughout his tenure in our city’s fire department,” said Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker. “He is a tremendous asset to our organization. Our fire department is in very capable hands thanks to his experience as a leader and his vision for success.”
Chief Coons holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, is a certified Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is currently completing his thesis for a master’s degree in public administration.
City Manager Hutmacher conducted a thorough nationwide search to ensure the city maintained the exceptional direction and leadership for all operations and oversight of the JCFD.
The City of Johns Creek Fire Department operates three fire stations covering a service area of more than 32 square miles. The Fire Department has 86 sworn firefighters and nineteen members of the department are paramedics, with 46 members licensed as intermediate emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The department is trained and equipped to handle hazardous materials response and rope rescue operations and also maintains a swift water rescue team responsible for patrolling 13 miles of the Chattahoochee River.