Veteran Firefighter Promoted To Lieutenant

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

After more than 20 years of service, a veteran member of the Dalton Fire Department joined the ranks of the agency's officers on Tuesday morning. Firefighter Jason Suddeth's promotion to the rank of lieutenant was approved by a unanimous vote of the Dalton Public Safety Commission. 

Caption: Chief Todd Pangle (left) and Lt. Jason Suddeth (right) pose together after the Public Safety Commission meeting on Tuesday

Lt. Suddeth joined the Dalton Fire Department in 1999. During his 24 years with the department, he has gained experience in a wide variety of emergency situations that have prepared him for a leadership role with the agency. Fire Chief Todd Pangle noted during his presentation Tuesday morning that Suddeth has proven himself to be an informal leader within the ranks of the department and has earned the respect of his peers. 

"He has the experience, leadership skills, and temperament to make him a great leader for our department," Chief Pangle said while presenting Suddeth to the PSC. 

Suddeth was most recently promoted to the rank of Firefighter III in the summer of 2017. Since that time, he began his preparations for the next step as he had multiple opportunities to serve as "officer in charge" and performed admirably. 

After approving his promotion, the members of the Public Safety Commission took time to thank Lt. Suddeth for his dedicated service to the city.

"Thank you very much. We appreciate your long commitment to the Dalton Fire Department," said commissioner Terry Mathis. "Since 1999, wow, that's great."

Lt. Suddeth's promotion fills a vacancy left after the retirement last month of Lt. Mike Cady.