City of Decatur Fire Rescue

Dalmatians and Firefighters… a historical bond that can never be broken! Assistant Chief Violante received a few smooches from Griswold the Dalmatian, on his way to a hard’s day work of playing! He said something about his great, great, great, great uncle on his mom’s side was a firehouse dog! Small world, big responsibilities! We look forward to seeing you and your human again, Griswold!

Shoutout to B-shift for helping start Smokey’s story and seeing it through to a beautiful ending. After being trapped in an engine compartment for two days, this sweet kitten was finally freed thanks to a little encouragement and one inspector’s tiny hands.
Thank you to the community member for coming by and trusting us with such a delicate problem, as cats tend to hide in these places when the weather gets cold!

With it being late in the day, Smokey was brought to DeKalb County Animal Services by Decatur Fire personnel. And the best part? Almost immediately, he found his forever family with these two amazing humans! Love at first sight!
We’re proud to serve our community in every way we can—and grateful this call had the happiest ending.

Remember, there’s many more furry friends waiting for their story to begin at your local shelter, consider adopting!

On the 25th anniversary of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, our firefighters gathered to honor and remember the lives forever changed that day.
We remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives, the firefighters and police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the countless first, second, and third responders who ran toward danger. We also remember those who continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that day.
From climbing Stone Mountain to represent the stairs that firefighters relentlessly climbed that day in their efforts to rescue others, to paying our respects during a remembrance ceremony, we honor their sacrifice and courage. Today and always, we will never forget.

Congratulations to Captain Kelvonte Byrd on receiving the Decatur High School 9/11 Remembrance Award. This award is bestowed upon public servants who embody the courage, compassion, and dedication demonstrated by the responders of September 11, 2001.

Captain Byrd is an integral part of our department and our community, and we are incredibly grateful and proud to have him serving alongside us.

To quote another great fireman, Captain Jeremy Storey:

“We are walking in the shadows of giants, resting in the shade of trees we did not plant, and enjoying a reputation that we did not earn. So we must continue in the greatness that has been placed in front of us.”
May we always honor those who came before us by continuing to serve with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others.