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Fire Rescue Executive Staff Directory

James Robinson
Fire Chief James Robinson has been committed to public safety since 2003 and has been a part of Rockdale County Fire Rescue since 2008. He has progressed through various roles to attain the position of Fire Chief, where he oversees fiscal management, operational strategies, strategic planning, and administrative functions. Fire Chief Robinson is instrumental in defining the department's goals, vision, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering leadership development within the team.
Fire Chief Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration and is actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University (Command College). Fire Chief Robinson holds both National Registry and State of Georgia Paramedic licenses. He has received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation by the Commission on Professional Credentialing of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program through the National Fire Administration. Additionally, he holds credentials as a Georgia Fire Chief Officer. In 2022, he was recognized as the Fire Chief Officer of the Year award.

Valerie Jackson
Deputy Chief Jackson has been a steadfast advocate for public safety since 1998, having retired from another agency as an Assistant Chief of Support Services. Over her career, she was promoted through the ranks serving as Fire-Medic, Fire Apparatus Driver, Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, Hazardous Material Technician, Fire Lieutenant, Training Fire Captain, and the Section Chief of Community Risk Reduction.
In 2022, she joined the Rockdale County Fire Rescue and is presently the Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. As the Chief of Administration, she oversees the day-to-day operations for the fire marshal’s division, fire human resources, fire account contracts/vendors, background and recruitment. Chief Jackson manages internal professional standards, compliance adherences, policies review and development, insurance service Office (ISO), contributes to budgetary preparation and strategic planning initiatives.
Deputy Chief Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Public Safety from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration from Columbus University (Command College). She is also a graduate of the Carl Holmes Professional Development Institute. Chief Jackson possesses both National Registry and State of Georgia Paramedic licenses and has received various certifications and accolades throughout her career. She is also qualified to instruct Basic Life Support (BLS), Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) courses.
Deputy Chief Jackson is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Atlanta Training Officers, National Fire Protection Association, International Code Council, and Women in Fire Service.

Richard Pickens
Deputy Chief Pickens serves as the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. He directs, supervises, and assesses the daily oversight of 6 Battalion Chief of the largest division-field operations. He is tasked with commanding over 140 sworn personnel with functions related to fire response, rescue operations, disaster emergencies, hazmat, the protection of life and property, emergency medical assistance, and administrative responsibilities. Chief Pickens manages the Assistant Chief of Support Services, Fleet Maintenance, Fire Logistics, Fire/EMS Training, and Records Management.

John Lynn
Assistant Chief Nick Lynn has been dedicated to public safety since 2009 and has served with Rockdale County Fire Rescue since 2011. He began his fire service career as a volunteer with Oconee County Fire Rescue, where he developed a strong foundation in emergency response and community service.
Throughout his career, Chief Lynn has gained extensive experience in technical rescue operations, spending the majority of his time operating the department’s heavy rescue unit. He holds advanced certifications, including National Registry Paramedic and Georgia Certified Registered Nurse, highlighting his comprehensive expertise in both fire and emergency medical services.
Chief Lynn has progressed through a variety of operational and leadership roles to attain his current position as Assistant Chief. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he also serves as the County Fire Marshal, overseeing the Fire Marshal Division.
In his capacity as Fire Marshal, he is entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of the Fire Marshal Division, which encompasses fire inspections, public fire safety education, new construction assessments, plan reviews, code compliance enforcement, and fire investigations. He is distinguished by his diligent and proactive approach to upholding fire codes and conducting investigations, including the pursuit of legal action against individuals suspected of arson-related offenses.
Assistant Chief Lynn’s commitment to safety, education, and enforcement continues to play a vital role in protecting the residents and businesses of Rockdale County.
Assistant Chief of Training
The Training Division is entrusted with the responsibility of developing, delivering, and facilitating educational and training programs for both new recruits and existing personnel within our department. These programs cover essential topics, including fire suppression, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, emergency medical services, leadership, career and officer development, emergency preparedness, management, and disaster response.
In the capacity of Assistant Chief of Training, they are accountable for setting strategic goals, defining performance metrics, and establishing best practices for the Training Academy, while ensuring compliance with relevant national, state, and local standards in fire and EMS education and training.
Assistant Chief of Support Services
The role of the Assistant Chief of Support Services involves supporting the strategic planning, organization, and management of everyday field operations oversight, along with managing six Battalion Chiefs, evaluating emergency activities, such as fire suppression, rescue missions, and hazardous materials response. Other key responsibilities include risk management, coordinating the maintenance of apparatus, overseeing the procurement and upkeep of tools and equipment, and managing facility maintenance.
The Assistant Chief of Support Services participates in post-operation reviews and evaluations, ensures responsible financial management of budgeted resources, and contributes to the development and integration of effective operational guidelines, procedures, and policies.

Rockdale County Fire Rescue Headquarters
1496 Rockbridge Road NW
Conyers, GA 30012
Telephone: (770) 278-8401
Fax: (770) 278-8930
Useful Links
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What is 811?
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
National Suicide Hotline: It’s Ok, to not Be Ok.
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