Community Corner
Firefighters In Action: What A Day On The Job Really Looks Like
"Cartersville is a great community … still small enough to have a small-town feel," says Fire Marshal Mark Hathaway.
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 Mark Hathaway, Fire Marshal of the Cartersville Fire Department, to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Cartersville Fire Department?
Fire Marshal Hathaway: The city limits of Cartersville, Georgia encompass approximately 30 sq. miles in Bartow County in NW Georgia. We serve the approximately 25,000 citizens of the city plus automatic aid areas of Bartow County that fall within our area. There [are] 7 miles of the Etowah River and 8 miles of Interstate 75 that fall under our jurisdiction plus an additional 4 miles of I-75 under automatic aid.
Cartersville Fire Department consists of 5 stations: 3 single company stations and 2 double company stations. The Fire Suppression Division consists of 5 engines, 1 squad, 1 100’ aerial, Special Operation Unit, Brush/Rescue UTV and a Battalion Chief vehicle manned with 27 personnel per day.
Administration consists of the Chief, Deputy Chief, Administrative Assistant, Quartermaster, 3 Training and 3 Fire Marshal’s Division personnel. The Training Division is responsible for training all personnel in fire suppression, vehicle extrication and medical emergencies. The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for all plan review, fire and life safety code inspections, public fire safety education and fire investigations. The Quartermaster is responsible for all supplies, uniforms and vehicles.
What does a typical day look like for a firefighter in Cartersville?
Fire Marshal Hathaway: Suppression personnel work a 24 hours on, 48 hours off (24/48) shift rotation starting at 0700. Each firefighter is responsible for checking the apparatus, equipment, their own personal protective equipment and communicating with the outgoing shift, prior to start of their shift, so they are ready at 0700. Each workday consists of station housework and maintenance and a minimum of three hours of training, plus whatever activities may occur such as preplanning buildings, station tours and public education and responding to calls for service.
Monday through Friday have different main responsibilities for each day. Mondays are for vehicle and equipment maintenance when all equipment is thoroughly checked, run and maintained. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are training days for specialized, multi-company, automatic aid drills, hazardous materials, emergency medical [and so on]. Fridays are set for thorough cleaning of the fire station and performing building maintenance.
What inspired you to get involved in the fire service?
Fire Marshal Hathaway: I grew up with my dad as a volunteer firefighter for 12 years and I got to hang around the fire station from the time I was four years old. Though, I did not originally decide I wanted to make it my profession until after, I too, spent time as a volunteer firefighter for Bartow County. After volunteering for just one year, I knew it was what I wanted to do for a career. After getting hired, I spent the next 12 years in the fire suppression division as a firefighter and sergeant before moving into the Fire Marshal’s Office for the last 20 years where I have served as Fire Inspector, Assistant Fire Marshal and now Fire Marshal.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cartersville community?
Fire Marshal Hathaway: Cartersville is a great community that is part of metropolitan Atlanta, but still small enough to have a “small town feel.” Cartersville is known as “Museum City,” home to three large museums: Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum and Savoy Car Museum. We have a bustling, rejuvenated downtown with live entertainment, great local restaurants and even a local brewery. Cartersville is also home to the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, a 54-acre burial ground of several thousand ancient Indians along the Etowah River.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Fire Marshal Hathaway: My first bit of advice for someone wanting to get into public service is to make sure that is what you want to do. Please don’t think it’s cool and glamorous because of television or movies. Television and movies tend to overglamorize the good and do not show the bad parts of public safety. Remember, you are there to help on that person’s worst day ever. Talk to people in public safety, do your research and if you still want it, pursue it with all you have. It never hurts to get some prior training before you get hired, such as EMT, Paramedic or a Fire Science degree. Having some prior certifications may help you have a shorter time in training before you can start riding the BRT (big red truck).
More About the Cartersville Fire Department
In addition to providing emergency fire services, the Cartersville Fire Department prioritizes fire prevention and overall safety through the following resources and initiatives:
- Fire inspections at public facilities and private residences.
- Prevention education, with a focus on Fire and Life Safety Education adapted for all age groups.
- Safety resources, including a Ready Kit guide, safety tips for older adults and safety tips for people with disabilities.
For more information, visit the Cartersville Fire Department website.
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