City of Cartersville Appoints Hagen Champion as New Fire Chief
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARTERSVILLE, GEORGIA – July 2, 2024
City of Cartersville Appoints Hagen Champion as New Fire Chief
Cartersville, GA – At tonight’s City Council meeting, Hagen Champion was officially sworn in as Cartersville’s new Fire Chief. Chief Champion will take over from Scott Carter, who is retiring later this month after over 20 years of distinguished service in the department, including the last 15 years as Chief.
Chief Champion brings over two decades of dedicated service and deep commitment to the Cartersville Fire Department. He emphasized, “As Chief, my goal for the department will be to continue providing top-level service to the citizens and community. It is an honor to be able to serve under great leaders and a Mayor and Council who support the men and women of Cartersville Fire Department. As our community expands daily, we recognize the impact we can make in people's lives at any moment. We are eager and prepared to meet this challenge head-on, driven by our dedication to serving the citizens!”
Outgoing Chief Scott Carter voiced his strong support for Champion, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership qualities. “Chief Champion has risen through the ranks of Cartersville Fire Department with over 20 years’ service. He is an energetic leader who is committed to the safety of our citizens and first responders. I fully believe he is prepared to lead this department to a new level of service for our growing community,” said Carter.
Chief Champion also reflected on his journey and the lessons he has learned from Chief Carter over the years. “I have had the privilege of working with Chief Carter over the last 20 years and have taken away many valuable lessons. His leadership and direction for the Cartersville Fire Department have proven themselves over the last 15 years as our Chief. I will continue to lead our department with honor, pride, and integrity as he has instilled in each and every member who has served under his leadership.”
As Chief Carter prepares for his well-deserved retirement, he shared his thoughts on this significant transition and his future plans. “I have always been told you would know when it is time; for me, it is time. I am saddened that this chapter of my life is ending; I will miss my heroes, the firefighters of Cartersville, but I am excited to see what lies before me. I look forward to more time with my family who have sacrificed for so many years when I could not be there because I was on duty or being called in for a tragedy or severe weather. God has blessed me and my wife Carla beyond measure to have been privileged to be a part of this City and department for so long. Of course, we will keep the department and its members in our prayers, as they face the challenges of our growing community, but these responders in Cartersville, they are strong, professional, and I believe they will carry our community to places I never dreamed of.”
Chief Carter also took a moment to address the Cartersville community and the department, expressing his gratitude and confidence in their continued success. “Cartersville Fire Department has protected this community since 1889; I am humbled to have had the privilege to be a small part of that. With this transition, there will be new leadership, and this department will continue in its rich history. I encourage our community to continue to support our responders who protect you, and to the Firefighters of Cartersville, thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your Fire Chief for so many years. Stay safe. I'll see you on the road.”
The City of Cartersville looks forward to a future of continued excellence and dedicated service under Chief Champion’s leadership.
[End of Press Release]
