Gwinnett County names first-ever Black fire chief

Gwinnett County has named its first-ever Black Chief of Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.

The county’s Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday afternoon that Fred Cephas would be the next fire chief.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“I am truly honored and humbled to continue to serve the county that I love while understanding there is still more work to be done,” Cephas said.

The county says he brings decades of experience into the role, which starts April 1.

TRENDING STORIES:

• ‘No foul play’ suspected in death of Georgia businessman whose body was found wrapped in a rug

• This North Georgia gem has been named the state’s best small town by Southern Living

• Mother of teen killed at Douglasville ‘Sweet 16′ party says he wasn’t supposed to be there

Cephas is replacing current Fire Chief Russell Knick, who has served in that role since 2018.

Knick is moving into a leadership position within the County Administrator’s Office.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS: