ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel announced her intent to resign from the department on Jan. 30.
According to a county spokeswoman, CEO JaNice Van Ness “immediately appointed Deputy Chief of Operations James Robinson as Interim Fire Chief to ensure a seamless transition.”
The resignation comes just months after a large chemical fire at the Conyers BioLab facility forced people to shelter at home for several evenings as the fire department and other emergency responders worked to contain the flames, then chemical plume.
Despite the timing, a statement from Rockdale County officials said McDaniel’s resignation was unrelated to the BioLab incident.
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McDaniel was named Rockdale County Fire Chief in December 2020, becoming the 12th African American Female Fire Chief in the United States, according to the county. McDaniel was also the first woman fire chief in county history.
As far as what happens next, the county said they’re working to find McDaniel’s replacement, while Robinson will take the lead in the interim.
“Our priority is to offer an effective Fire Department with the best service levels. We celebrate our brave men and women who have chosen such an honorable profession and appreciate their dedication to the citizens and businesses of Rockdale County. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners remains focused on delivering quality services, and we are confident that this transition will help us move forward in the best interests of our community,” the county said.
An opening for the position of Rockdale County Fire Chief is available for application online, listing a salary range of $122,625.36 To $136,502.44 per year and detailing the various responsibilities for the position.
Channel 2 Action News has asked for more details on the resignation and when McDaniel’s tenure as fire chief is officially over.
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