The City of Woodstock announces the hiring of Shane Dobson as Fire Chief. Dobson’s first day with Woodstock Fire & Rescue will be Monday, April 24, 2023.

Shane Dobson began his career in firefighting with the City of Woodstock when he was hired as a firefighter in 1993. He returns to the City with 30 years of experience combined with extensive training and education. Chief Dobson most recently served as the Deputy Fire Chief for Administration with the City of Roswell Fire Department. Prior to that, he held a number of roles with Dekalb Fire and Rescue, including Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations, rising to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief for Professional Services & Training in 2021.

“The Woodstock Fire Department has a long and rich history of which I was privileged to be a part early in my career,” stated Chief Dobson. “The City made a lasting impression on me personally and professionally, as it ultimately influenced my career and my successes. I consider it a privilege to represent the department and take it to the next level.”

Chief Dobson has a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Leadership from Reinhardt University. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science Technology from West Georgia Technical College and an Intermediate Emergency Medical Technician Certificate from Chattahoochee Technical College. Dobson received his Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFO) from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and his Georgia Chief Fire Officer Certification from Georgia Fire Chiefs Association. He is a graduate of Leadership Dekalb, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association.

“We’re excited to have Chief Dobson come on board. To have started his career in Woodstock and be able to capstone his career as Chief of the department where he started is really special,” said City Manager Jeff Moon. “Shane’s experience and training have prepared him well to lead the men and women of the Woodstock Fire Department and we are excited about the future. I know that he will be able to build on the outstanding work that Chief Soumas has done in his 34 years with the City of Woodstock.”