2019 Deputy Chief Promotion

During the March 26, 2019 Public Safety Commission meeting the commission voted unanimously on Chief Pangle's recommendation to name Battalion Chief Mike Russell as Deputy Chief Ricky Busby's successor. Deputy Chief Busby's last day with the department will be May 31, 2019, after dedicating 30 years of service with the department and the City of Dalton.  

Chief Russell was employed with Dalton Fire Department in September 1992.  Since that time he has held most ranks within the department. He has been serving as C shift battalion chief since December 2009. While in that role he has performed notably, keeping his shift on track according to the goals and mission of Dalton Fire Department. He has been a firefighter since 1984, where he served as a volunteer with Whitfield County Fire Department until being employed by our agency. Chief Russell is one of the leading members of the Georgia Smoke Divers Association and plays a very vital role in the success of the program. During his time in the fire service Chief Russell has become highly respected by all that have worked with him, as well as within our own agency.