Walker County fire chief named to state council

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Walker County Fire Chief Randy Camp, appointed to a two-year term on the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, said he hopes to help change the way recertifications are handled.

The council oversees the certifications of firefighters and fire departments in the state. It also mandates training requirements.

"I think more authority should be left to the local fire departments," he said. "And I don't think the state should dictate so much of the recertifications [process]."

Camp previously served on the council for nearly three years after being appointed to fill a vacancy created by a retiring member. His current appointment was made last week by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

Camp said state requirements create burdens, including financial ones, on the local level, and that he's going to try to help alleviate some of them.

The 11-member council meets quarterly at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga., and carries out what Camp called "a great responsibility" because its decisions affect firefighters throughout the state.

But Camp said he's up to the challenge, which will accompany his regular fire chief duties.

"Hopefully I'll make a difference and make things better," he said.

His boss is confident he'll do just that.

"He has a lot of wisdom and working knowledge to add to the process," Walker County Coordinator David Ashburn said. "If he's that qualified for the state, you know he's a great asset for us."

Timothy Bradfield covers Walker County. Contact him at timothyb2010@gmail.com.