Thomasville Fire Rescue (TFR) Chief Tim Connell was recently sworn in as a Deputy Fire Marshal by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA. The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner licenses and regulates insurance companies, investigates reports of insurance fraud, and inspects buildings to prevent fire.
“It is an honor to be sworn in as a Deputy Fire Marshal,” said Chief Connell. “The Oath of Office for a Deputy Fire Marshal requires us to carry out the rules, regulations faithfully, and provisions of the Georgia Safety Fire Law to the best of our ability. I am committed to fulfilling this significant responsibility that positively benefits our community’s daily public safety.”
Deputy Fire Marshals are re-designated annually upon a successful application and panel review. “Each year, we are tasked with meeting standards of professional development that are focused on education and advanced training,” said Chief Connell. “This year marked the sixth time that I participated in this process that is committed to consistently evolving and improving to challenge professional development of local public safety officials. The panel performs an extensive review to determine that the applicants have met all the requirements of Official Code of Georgia Annotated 25-2-12.1.”
According to Chief Connell, serving as a Deputy Fire Marshal provides the community with increased efficiency of building inspections. “Local businesses benefit from a Fire Marshal whose primary focus is Thomasville, which can result in a shortened time to receive their Certificate of Occupancy,” said Chief Connell. “This process can typically take up to two weeks if businesses need to await a visit from an inspector from the State Fire Marshals Office. The goal is to provide our businesses with the fastest turnaround time possible for inspections.”
“Chief Connell is an incredible asset to our community and organization,” said Alan Carson, City Manager. “His re-designation as a Deputy Fire Marshal provides a critical public safety function with a wide-ranging impact for our local citizens and businesses. He is committed to serving the community and the incredible men & women of TFR.”