2025 Annual Report City of Woodstock Fire Department

A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF

To the Mayor, City Council, City Administration, and the Citizens of Woodstock,

As we look back on 2025, I am proud of the continued progress made by the Woodstock Fire Department. The dedicated professionals who serve this community work hard every day. This year, we built on past momentum and turned careful planning into action

Our firefighters and officers stayed focused on highquality service. We worked to strengthen how we train, prepare, and operate. We put strong emphasis on understanding community risk. Using data to guide decisions enabled us to protect our city more proactively and intentionally

Planning for Woodstock’s future remains a priority. As our city grows, expectations for public safety also grow. In 2025, we took deliberate steps to prepare the department for these demands. We aim to continue this progress in the coming years.

I am thankful for the continued support of our Mayor, City Council, and City Administration. Their commitment to public safety makes our work possible. To the citizens of Woodstock, thank you for your trust. And to the members of the Woodstock Fire Department, your professionalism and dedication make a difference every day.

I am confident in this department's direction I am proud to serve a community that values service, emergency preparedness, and care for others

Sincerely,

Shane Dobson Fire Chief, City of Woodstock

WOODSTOCK

FIRE DEPARTMENT

A-SHIFT BATT. CHIEF

FIRE CHIEF

OFFICE MANAGER

DEPUTY CHIEF

B-SHIFT BATT. CHIEF

MISSION

We commit our training, expertise, and professionalism to boldly serve

VISION

To be an innovative leader in the Fire Service and make a positive impact at every interaction

VALUES*

INTEGRITY COURAGE SERVICE

STATION 14 STATION 10

*Integrity: We do what is right and honorable regardless of the cost or who is watching

*Courage: I will not let my actions be influenced by my fears

*Service: We are ready and willing to help others at every opportunity

ADMINISTRATION

FIRE CHIEF SHANE DOBSON

Administration: Supporting the Department’s Mission

The Woodstock Fire Department is organized into three divisions: Administration, Operations, and Community Risk Reduction, working together to ensure efficient management and a high level of service delivery.

The Administration Division oversees core organizational functions, including budgeting, reporting systems, vehicle and equipment procurement, maintenance, and department wide training coordination.

The Operations Division supports emergency response readiness through staffing coordination, training implementation, and logistical support for daily field operations.

The Community Risk Reduction Division leads proactive safety efforts, including community risk assessments, public education, and outreach. The division also manages plan reviews, building inspections, annual fire inspections, and fire investigations to ensure compliance and reduce risks within the community

THE WOODSTOCK WAY

Inspire Trust - Service Before Self

Do Good - Fly Our Flag

Better Every Day - Pursue Purpose

Be Ready - Embrace Accountability

Communicate Professionally

Collaborate Continually - Manage Risks

Community Engagement

Show up, do your job, be engaged, work as a team, and HAVE FUN. What you tolerate is what you get and what you get becomes the standard.

OUR DEPARTMENT

The City of Woodstock was established in 1897 and officially established its Fire Department in 1947 Initially, fire protection was provided by volunteers based out of the train depot. Early equipment included a hand-drawn cart with a 50-gallon tank. In the 1950s, the city purchased its first fire truck, a 1941 Chevrolet with a 250-gallon capacity The department remained volunteer-based until the 1970s when it received turnout gear from Cobb County and hired its first paid firefighters

As economic growth surged following the completion of I-575, the department expanded By 1986, it had six full-time firefighters, two engines, and responded to 300 calls In 1987, David Ray became the first paid Fire Chief The department moved to a new facility in 2001, replacing its previous metal structure, and opened a second station in 2004.

In 2025, with a population of about 40,000 and over 7,000 calls for service, the Woodstock Fire Department has made significant strides Ongoing projects include the construction of Station #28, design, plan review, and groundbreaking on Station #34, enhanced training programs, and expanded community outreach The department continues to prioritize operational readiness and community engagement

Breaking Ground: 2 New Stations Underway

Woodstock Fire Department continued to expand its operational capacity with significant progress on two major capital projects Fire Station #28, located on Ridgewalk Parkway near I 575, was approved in 2024 and officially broke ground in 2025. Construction is now well underway, with completion anticipated in Fall 2026

In 2025, Mayor and Council also approved the development of the department’s fourth station, Fire Station #34 Following approval of all site and building plans, Station #34 broke ground at the end of the year. Located off Long Drive and strategically positioned to serve the Highway 92 and I 575 corridor, the station is projected to open within months of Station #28 due to overlapping construction timelines Together, these projects represent a major investment in public safety infrastructure and reaffirm the City of Woodstock’s commitment to strengthening emergency response capabilities for years to come. Once operational, these stations will improve response times, add an additional aerial apparatus to the fleet, and increase staffing to better serve the growing community

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

GOALS COMPLETED

Strategic Administration and Leadership:

Establish a clear mission, vision, and values to guide decision-making while implementing consistent policies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient operations

Operational Excellence and Emergency Response:

Enhance emergency response by optimizing station deployment streamlining processes and integrating advanced technology such as priority dispatch Implement traffic control and urban planning for faster routes Expand capabilities with additional staff and specialized equipment, such as a Quint and ATV mobile fire pump

Community Engagement and Prevention:

Establish a Community Risk Reduction Specialists position that will use data to identify high-risk areas for targeted prevention Complete our community risk assessment with Georgia Tech, analyze the data gathered, and launch a Community Risk Reduction Program with measurable outcomes Maintain 100% compliance with fire code regulations across all Woodstock businesses through systematic inspection protocols

Personnel Safety, Wellness, and Retention:

Enhance firefighter health and safety by conducting annual physicals and cancer screenings reducing carcinogen exposure through improved standards and equipment, and creating a dedicated committee to address safety wellbeing and retention Strengthen the wellness program by incorporating mental health support, ensuring comprehensive care for all personnel

Continuous Improvement and Innovation through Data

Utilize the Community Risk Reduction Specialist to manage data collection and analysis, ensuring standardized data entry to improve reporting accuracy Staff will be trained on data collection and analytics tools while integrating software to support better decisionmaking Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established, with quarterly reviews to track trends and adjust resource allocation By using data insights the department aims to refine staffing and operational strategies

Station #28 Groundbreaking

Breaking ground in 2025, the Woodstock Fire Department is embarking on constructing Fire Station #28, strategically located on Ridgewalk Parkway near I-575 With site plans and station design nearing finalization, the new station is set to serve the community more effectively and is anticipated to be complete by Summer 2026

2026 STRATEGIC GOALS

BOLDLY PURSUING WHAT’S NEXT

Strategic Administration and Leadership:

Continue operating with a clear mission vision and values to guide decision-making, while implementing consistent policies and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient operations

Operational Excellence and Emergency Response

Strengthen emergency response capabilities through the opening of two new fire stations and the deployment of a new engine and aerial apparatus Improve response times by expanding frontline staffing and enhancing coverage across the city Continue refining station placement routing efficiency, and operational workflows to support faster, more effective service delivery

Community Engagement and Prevention – Goals for This Year

Strengthen community risk reduction by expanding the use of data informed strategies to guide outreach, education, and prevention efforts Build on the completed community risk assessment by identifying priority areas and tailoring programs to address the highest risk populations and hazards first Enhance departmental data tracking and analysis to better understand trends measure program effectiveness and refine prevention initiatives throughout the year Maintain strong compliance across Woodstock businesses through consistent inspections and proactive engagement with property owners ensuring a safer community through prevention focused operations

Personnel Safety, Wellness, and Retention:

Enhance firefighter health and safety by continuing annual NFPA 1582 physicals and coordinating these evaluations with the city’s health program to ensure comprehensive medical oversight Strengthen early detection efforts through ongoing cancer screenings and reduce carcinogen exposure by advancing protective standards, equipment, and decontamination practices Expand the department’s wellness initiatives with a stronger focus on mental health support and resilience resources Reinforce retention and wellbeing by empowering the safety and wellness committee to identify needs recommend improvements and support a culture of long term health and career sustainability

Fire Station Expansion: Stations 28 and 34

Continuous Improvement and Innovation through Data

Continue strengthening data informed decision making by expanding the role of the Community Risk Reduction Specialist in managing and analyzing departmental data Maintain standardized data entry practices to ensure accurate reporting and reliable trend analysis Provide ongoing staff training on data collection methods, analytics tools and integrated software systems that support operational and strategic planning Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) with quarterly reviews to identify trends guide resource allocation and refine staffing and operational strategies throughout the year

The Woodstock Fire Department is advancing two major station projects that will significantly enhance service coverage and reduce response times citywide Construction on Fire Station #28 began in 2025 on Ridgewalk Parkway near I 575 and is expected to be completed before the end of 2026 Shortly behind it, Fire Station #34 located on Long Drive near Highway 92 and I 575 also broke ground at the end of 2025 and is progressing through final design and construction phases Together, these stations will expand operational capacity, improve emergency response efficiency and strengthen protection for the growing Woodstock community

All-Hazard Response and Service Excellence

In 2025, our department continued to advance its mission of delivering efficient, effective, and timely all-hazard emergency response to safeguard the lives and property of our community Building on the strong foundation established in previous years, we focused on strategic growth and operational enhancements to further reduce response times and expand service coverage

This year marked a major step forward in expanding our emergency response capabilities with the groundbreaking of two new fire stations These facilities will significantly improve coverage, reduce response times, and enhance service delivery across the growing Woodstock community. As construction progresses, the department is preparing for the increased operational capacity these stations will bring.

To support this expansion, we hired 12 new firefighters who will help staff overall operations and strengthen daily response readiness These recruits began their training through a joint academy with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services ensuring consistent standards and seamless coordination across jurisdictions

Our fleet continues to expand along with the department A new Quint has been built, a new engine ordered to replace aging equipment and our oldest unit was selected for refurbishing These additions will bolster our firefighting and rescue capabilities, ensuring our crews have access to the most advanced tools and technology available These initiatives underscore our dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence By investing in personnel, infrastructure, and equipment, we are positioning our department to provide even faster, safer, and more effective service to the community we proudly serve

BATTALION CHIEF TIM SMITH

BATTALION CHIEF DANIEL ALLEN

2356 Calls Fires 25 1146 Training Hours

Recruit Class 2025-02

2025 marked a historic step forward for the Woodstock Fire Department as we launched our firstever recruit class. In partnership with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, we began a combined recruit class that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening fire and emergency services across the region This inaugural class included twelve recruits who will play a vital role in staffing our two existing stations as well as the two new stations currently under construction. Over the course of this intensive ten month program, recruits are working toward earning their Firefighter II certification and Advanced EMT licensure. Their curriculum includes extensive training in fire suppression, interior search and rescue, hazardous materials operations, and emergency medical training ensuring they are fully prepared for the diverse challenges of modern emergency response This collaborative effort not only expands our operational capacity but also represents a long-term investment in the safety, readiness, and resilience of the Woodstock community.

Fire Department Training and Development

The Woodstock Fire Department continued to prioritize professional growth and operational readiness, completing 11,900 hours of training, averaging 426 hours per member Officer development remained strong, with personnel earning advanced credentials including Certified Fire Chief, Fire Officer III, and Fire Officer IV. Members expanded their expertise through participation in statewide and regional professional development events, including the Georgia Fire Inspectors Quarterly Meetings, Georgia Fire Investigators Association Cobb County Conference, Georgia Public Safety Fire Investigators Helen Conference, Georgia Fire Safety Symposium, the Vision 20/20 Data Collection and Analysis Conference, and the Southeast Association of Fire Chiefs Leadership Conference. To strengthen training oversight and program consistency, the department established a Training Captain position, responsible for coordinating all departmental training and managing the joint recruit academy This year, 12 new recruits began their training in partnership with the Cherokee County Fire Training Center Specialized skill development also continued, including swift water operations training on the Ocoee River

The department advanced its policy framework by developing and implementing new policies through Lexipol, and leveraged departmental data to create operational reports that help supervisors evaluate performance and identify improvement opportunities Health and wellness remained a core priority, with 94% participation in the physical fitness program All members received NFPA 1582 physicals and medical screenings, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of firefighter health and readiness.

Community Risk Reduction

The 5 E’s of CRR Education Engineering Enforcement Economic Incentives

Response

2025 marked a year of measurable progress since rebranding the Fire Marshal’s Office into the Community Risk Reduction Our team continued to embrace proactive strategies to reduce risks before they become emergencies, guided by data-informed insights and community engagement

This year, we achieved several key milestones:

Smoke Alarm Blitzes: We completed two large-scale smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) monitor installations across two 55+ communities, servicing over 300 devices One CO monitor detected a leak shortly after installation, potentially saving a life

Data-Driven Risk Reduction: We partnered with Georgia Tech to complete a Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and developed an internal data pipeline system. These efforts led to the creation of a Power BI dashboard, providing visual insights to guide targeted prevention strategies

Education & Outreach: We continued delivering fire safety education throughout the community including hosting our first ever public CPR class

AWARDS

FIRE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

CAPTAIN CHRIS DURDEN

In Recognition of Your Dedication to Training Others and Commitment to Excellence

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

WOODSTOCK WAY

MASTER FIREFIGHTER TIMMY THAI

In Recognition of Your Positive Attitude, Example to Others, and Strong Work Ethic.

ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHAL ZEB McALLISTER

In Recognition of Your Dedication to Service Above Self

The Officer of the Year award recognizes the Officer (Captain or Battalion Chief) who has made the most significant impact on our department.

The Firefighter of the Year award recognizes the firefighter or sergeant who has made the most significant impact on our department

The Woodstock Way Award is given by the command staff, incorporating input from other departmental leaders. It is presented to the individual whose actions best embody our values and the principles of the Woodstock Way

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

CAPTAIN BEN DANIEL A-SHIFT

In Recognition of Your People Centered Leadership and Commitment to Make Our Department Better

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

SENIOR FIREFIGHTER JUSTIN YORK C-SHIFT SENIOR FIREFIGHTER JUSTIN JONES B-SHIFT

In Recognition of Your Determination, and Drive to Teach Others

In Recognition of Your Drive to Improve and Contribute at a Higher Level

The Distinguished Service Awards are chosen by shift officers to recognize individuals essential for the smooth operation of each shift. This person is the “Go To” person for the shift.