Thomasville City Manager Alan Carson has named Tim Connell as the new Fire Chief for Thomasville Fire Rescue. The appointment is effective immediately. Connell’s appointment comes after a lengthy recruitment process that began earlier this year. He has served as TFR’s Interim Fire Chief since January 1, 2020.
“I am pleased to name Tim as TFR’s new Fire Chief,” said Carson. “The process to find TFR’s new Fire Chief began several months earlier and involved candidates being reviewed and interviewed by a prestigious board of former fire chiefs to help identify our top candidates. While I knew that Tim’s credentials and leadership were top-notch, he quickly rose to the top, and it was clear he was the right person to lead our department into the future.
Connell began serving TFR in 2000 when he was hired as a Firefighter. He has risen through the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain, where he served as the department’s training officer. Prior to being named Interim Fire Chief, Connell served the department as Assistant Fire Chief, where he was responsible for fire safety education and inspections. Connell has attained the credential of both Chief Fire Officer and Fire Marshal from the Center for Public Safety Excellence as well as certification as a Georgia Fire Chief from the Georgia Fire Chiefs Association. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University and was inducted into the Public Safety Sword and Shield Honor Society. Connell has also completed fire officer courses through the National Fire Academy located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He is married to Pennie Connell, and the couple shares three children and one granddaughter.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as TFR’s next Fire Chief,” said Connell. “One of my first priorities is to work more closely with our community so that we can be assured we are meeting the expectations of those we serve. We have an outstanding department with experienced and dedicated staff, and I am proud to serve them as their new Fire Chief.”
The announcement of Connell’s appointment was made earlier this morning to all TFR staff members, and their response was one of overwhelming support. “That is extremely gratifying, to know I have the support of this department,” said Connell. “I’m proud of this department and the men and women who serve our citizens. I’m very thankful for the support they have given me through my interim appointment and also now as we move forward together into the future.”
Carson said that a pinning ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 24th to officially install Connell as TFR’s new Fire Chief. “I have appreciated Tim’s leadership over the last several months, and I’m looking forward to seeing the department grow under his command. He cares deeply for not only TFR and his staff, but also this community. TFR’s future is in great hands.”