Zach Philyaw, a 20 year veteran with the Gainesville Fire Department, has been named the new deputy fire chief.
Philyaw assumed the position in early February after being promoted by recently-named Fire Chief Brandon Ellis.
"The most common phrase you will hear from anyone who has interactions with Zach is that he is 'real and genuine,'" said Ellis in a prepared statement. "This personal connection will benefit the department for years to come by building upon our foundation of service to help future generations feel like they belong to a true family."
Philyaw started as a firefighter with Gainesville in 2002 following a brief employment with the Hall County Fire Department. Within four years he was promoted to firefighter III/driver, a position he has held for the last 16 years, according to a press release.
"I’m humbled to be appointed deputy fire chief," said Philyaw. "This department has a long history of first-class service to the community and its visitors. I will do everything I can to help Chief Ellis and the men and women of this department move forward and continue to provide the same quality of care and service as the city grows."
Philyaw has also served with the Georgia Search and Rescue team for eight years.
In his new role as deputy fire chief, Philyaw’s responsibilities will include having command over the operation division and taking on various administrative duties.
Philyaw is a native of Hall County. He and his wife, Miranda, have one son.
