Darien Fire Rescue

     The Darien Fire Department provides fire protection and rescue services for approximately 2,000 people living in an area of 28 square miles. The department operates out of one station that functions in a primarily residential area. Darien residents have an ISO rating of 5. The department utilizes 3 pieces of state of the art apparatus; 2 engine companies and a ladder company.  We are always striving to provide a short response time. The membership has grown to include 30 volunteers and a paid Chief. The firefighters are available to provide assistance with:

• Fire Suppression
• Rescue
• Emergency Medical Situations
• Fire Prevention Education
• Fire Inspections
• Arial Operations
• Aid to Surrounding Agencies

     Even though the volunteer firefighters do not usually staff the station 24 hours a day, they are available to respond to incidents via a pager system. The emergency calls are dispatched through the county emergency 911 center, located near Darien. When needed, the personnel respond in their own vehicles to the station or directly to the scene of the emergency. Most personnel respond to calls even though they maintain full time jobs and equally full time family lives.

     The Darien Fire Department is led by Chief David Gardner. He has been with the department for over 30 years. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate and Tactical EMT. Chief Gardner is also a certified Peace Officer and serves as a medic for the joint Law Enforcement Special Response Team. Chief Gardner functions as the chief executive officer and is reports to the City Council and City Manager . The Chief establishes department policies, rules and procedures. He is responsible for the overall management, organization and operation of the fire department.

     Under Chief Gardner are Captains Brian Feeney and Dave Brancato. Captain Feeney has been with the department for over 20 years and and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate. 

     Captain Brancato has been with the department for over 5 years and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate. Captain Brancato is also works full time for a neighboring county fire department. 

     The Darien Fire Department has earned a Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 5. It has a long and distinguished record of voluntary service to the Citizens of Darien, and its firefighters are highly-respected within the community.

     Originally, this was the premiere branch of the Darien - McIntosh County Volunteer Fire Department. In 2006, it responded to 31 structural fires; five of which were in Darien and 26 in McIntosh County. In April 2007, it broke away to become the Darien Volunteer Fire Department. With the hiring of Darien Fire Chief David Gardner on January 1, 2008 as Darien’s first full-time firefighter, it was re-designated as the Darien Fire Department. 

     Although it is a separate Fire Department, it continues to reinforce firefighters in McIntosh and Glynn Counties during emergencies. The department is a leader in developing and hosting regional training for first-responders; as well as planning infrastructure enhancements, establishing new emergency communications systems, and creating new procedures to protect the citizens of Darien.

     In May 2007, the City annexed 20 square miles of wetlands which are traversed by Interstate 95 and US Highway 17; and the department was faced with responding to Class B and Class C fires (fuel and electrical) which are normally associated with vehicle accidents. The City acquired a new foam-pumper truck to perform this mission; the only one in McIntosh County. This also enhanced fire suppression capabilities to support vessels along the Darien River waterfront and at the Champney River boat launch. A ladder truck was added to the department’s capabilities and certified to respond to structural fires in multi-story buildings.

     On August 17, 2007, the department received a U.S. Congressional Certificate of Commendation from U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston in recognition of its contributions to public safety during the worst fire season in Georgia in 50 years.

     In October of 2007, the new department underwent the first ISO inspection conducted in McIntosh County in 27 years. As a result, the City’s PPC was lowered from 8 to 6. The department concentrated on correcting the deficiencies in the ISO report, and then requested a re-evaluation; which resulted in the PPC being lowered from 6 to 5 effective on June 1, 2008.

     Volunteer opportunities are available with the Darien Fire Department; including high-quality training, professional certifications, community service and many other amenities.