Community Corner
What It Takes To Be A Georgia Firefighter: One Captain’s Story
Firefighting is "about showing up every day … and being ready to give your best when people need you most," says Captain Michael R. Sims.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Michael R. Sims, Captain of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services?
Captain Sims: Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is a comprehensive, county-operated organization dedicated to providing firefighting and emergency medical services to residents and visitors of Cherokee County, GA (to include the cities of Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Nelson and Woodstock). The agency proudly holds an Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of 2 and is internationally accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. With 526 full-time personnel and 28 strategically located stations across 434 square miles, the agency serves a population of nearly 300,000.
What does a typical day look like for a firefighter in Cherokee County?
Captain Sims: A typical day for a firefighter in Cherokee County begins with a 7:30 a.m. shift start, though most firefighters arrive about an hour early to ensure a smooth transition and allow those they’re relieving to leave on time. By shift change, all personnel are fully dressed in their uniforms, and their personal protective equipment is placed on their assigned apparatus, which may include a fire engine, aerial truck, rescue unit, ambulance or various other support vehicles in our fleet.
The first task of the day is to communicate with the outgoing shift, conduct a thorough inspection of all equipment on their apparatus and prepare for any incidents that may arise. Each shift lasts 24 hours, and during this time, firefighters balance eating, sleeping (typically during overnight hours between emergencies), training and spending time with their fellow team members. Depending on the schedule, we may participate in departmental training sessions, pre-incident plans in commercial buildings, hydrant inspections and maintenance or company-level drills to sharpen our skills.
Since firefighters live at the stations during their shifts, there are also daily chores, maintenance and household responsibilities to attend to. However, no matter what tasks we are engaged in, when an emergency call comes in, our firefighters immediately drop everything, rush to their assigned apparatus and respond to the incident with urgency and professionalism.
As the end of their shift approaches, firefighters prepare the station and equipment for the incoming firefighters before enjoying their 48 hours away from the station (though many of them work a second job during their time away from the station).
What inspired you to get involved with the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services?
Captain Sims: My journey with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) began during high school when I discovered the Fire Explorer program offered by CCFES. The Fire Exploring program, designed for students aged 14 to 20, was established in 2001 and I later joined in 2004. The program provides young people with the opportunity to develop essential skills, knowledge and hands-on experience for future careers in fire and emergency services through participation in emergency calls and community outreach.
As a member of the Explorer Post, I attended weekly meetings at an area fire station, participated in ride-alongs regularly and assisted with various fire department events. It was through these experiences that I discovered my passion for the fire service, and I knew that pursuing a career with CCFES was the right path for me.
[You can learn more about Captain Sims and his first responder journey on LinkedIn.]
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cherokee County community?
Captain Sims: What I enjoy most about being part of the Cherokee County community is its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and southern hospitality. As a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, I appreciate how the area combines rural charm with suburban convenience, all while being close to many offerings throughout Metro Atlanta.
The County thrives with excellent public safety, world-class schools and a strong sense of community. The county is home to many great organizations, like the Service League of Cherokee County and MUST Ministries, which both help provide shelter, clothing, food and so much more to those in need. I truly can't imagine a better place to live, work, worship and play.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Captain Sims: I have always believed, and will continue to believe, that being a firefighter is the best job in the world — though it's so much more than just a job. My advice to anyone considering becoming a firefighter is to understand that, while the job can be incredibly rewarding, it is not without its challenges.
Many people are drawn to firefighting because of the idea of being a hero, but the reality is that it requires much more than just answering the call when the bell go[es] off. This job is physically demanding, often dirty and, at times, emotionally draining. It’s about showing up every day — no matter the circumstances — and being ready to give your best when people need you most.
Being a firefighter also means upholding the highest ethical and moral standards, as you are entrusted with the safety and well-being of others. It requires strong mental resilience, the ability to handle stress and a heart full of compassion for those often overlooked by society. The work can be tough, but it is this combination of dedication, empathy and professionalism that makes it a calling, not just a job.
If you're ready for the hard work and the responsibility, it's a career that will not only challenge you but also give you the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.
More About the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services offers several ways for individuals to get involved and explore career opportunities in firefighting, including:
- Employment opportunities for those looking for a part-time or full-time career as a first responder or support role within the fire and emergency services field.
- Fire recruit school to train and educate recruits while earning college credit through a partnership with Lanier Technical College.
- Explorer Post 469 to provide high school students ages 14-20 with hands-on experience in fire and emergency services.
- Volunteer opportunities, offering roles in areas including emergency response, search and rescue, dive team and Safe Kids Cherokee County.
For more information, visit the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services website and explore opportunities to serve your community!
Learn About T-Priority, America’s best 5G network experience for first responders:
T-Priority is T-Mobile’s exclusive program designed to provide first responders with the best 5G network experience. This program prioritizes fast, reliable service even during high network congestion, ensuring that first responders stay connected when it matters most. In addition, T-Mobile offers special discounts to first responders on eligible plans, helping them save while staying connected with America's best 5G network.
Get more information about T-Priority and the first responder discounts here.
