Dalton Firefighter Promoted To Training Division Coordinator

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025

Dalton firefighter Justin Rishel was promoted to the rank of training division coordinator at Tuesday morning's meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission. Rishel previously held the rank of lieutenant in the training division. 

Rishel joined the Dalton Fire Department in 2003 and became an instructor in the training division in the summer of 2019. Fire Chief Matt Daniel said Tuesday that Rishel has excelled in the training division while overseeing recruit classes and a number of training programs for the fire department's personnel. Rishel has also served as the DFD's hazardous materials program coordinator. 

Caption: Training Division Coordinator Justin Rishel has his new badge pinned to his uniform by his father Dave Rishel after being promoted Tuesday morning

"Throughout his appointment, Lieutenant Rishel has performed above expectations while continuing to learn," Chief Daniel said. "Most importantly, his passion for the job and thirst for knowledge are second to none." 

Rishel was congratulated by the members of the Public Safety Commission who voted unanimously to recognize his promotion. PSC member Lane Jackson, a former member of the Dalton Fire Department, pointed out that Rishel has come a long way during his career. 

"One thing I'll share with y'all that a lot of you didn't know, (when) we started our recruit class, Mr. Rishel had the hardest time with jumping jacks," Jackson said to laughter from Rishel's family and fellow firefighters in the City Hall audience. 

Rishel's promotion to coordinator of the training division fills the vacancy left by Keith Dempsey's promotion last month to the rank of deputy chief.