City of Cleveland Selects Jason Bryant as New Fire Chief

PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2026

 

City of Cleveland Selects Jason Bryant as New Fire Chief

 

Cleveland, Georgia – Following executive session Thursday evening, the City of Cleveland is pleased to announce the selection of Jason Bryant as the City’s new Fire Chief, following approval by Mayor and City Council.

 

Chief Bryant was originally hired by Gilmer County Fire and Rescue as a Battalion Chief and currently serves as Deputy Chief with the department. Prior to his service in Gilmer County, he retired from the Henry County Fire Department, where he held numerous roles throughout his career, including Firefighter, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Chief Bryant brings more than 31 years of progressive supervisory and executive leadership experience in fire service operations, administration, and emergency response.

 

Mayor Josh Turner praised the appointment, citing Bryant’s experience, leadership, and commitment to public safety. “Jason Bryant brings a strong work ethic, proven leadership, and a deep dedication to serving others,” said Mayor Josh Turner. “We are confident he will continue to strengthen the Cleveland Fire Department, support our firefighters, and ensure the highest level of service and protection for our community.”

 

Chief Bryant expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared his vision for the department: “I am deeply honored and grateful to accept the position of Fire Chief for the City of Cleveland. Thank you to Mayor Josh Turner, the City Council, and the entire fire department for this opportunity. I look forward to serving our community, building on the department’s proud legacy, and continuing to protect and support the residents and businesses of Cleveland with dedication and integrity.”

 

Prior to the selection of Chief Bryant, the City conducted an extensive and competitive hiring process beginning in September 2025. Following resume submissions and an initial review to confirm candidates met the minimum qualifications, a panel of Fire Chiefs evaluated the applications and selected eight candidates to advance to the interview stage. Following interviews with the panel of fire chiefs, four finalists were forwarded to interview with the Mayor and City Council. Following the final interviews, Jason Bryant emerged as the selected candidate.

 

The City also extends its sincere appreciation to Bo Medlock, who served as Interim Fire Chief following the retirement of longtime Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt. Medlock is commended for his steady leadership and outstanding service during the transition period. “We are grateful to Bo Medlock for his professionalism and leadership as Interim Chief,” Mayor Turner added. “His commitment ensured continuity, stability, and excellence within the department during an important time.”

 

The City of Cleveland thanks Chief Ricky Pruitt for his years of dedicated service and leadership and looks forward to a new chapter under Chief Bryant’s guidance.

 

Outside his extensive list of NPQ and State Certifications, Bryant is married to his wife Marcie. Together they have two adult children: Maddie and Max. Maddie is a former Division I volleyball player at Georgia Southern and currently works at Chik Fil A corporate. Their son, Max plays football and is a student at Carson Newman University.

 

Media Contact:

Kevin Harris

706-915-6489