WHO WE ARE

Dave Wade

My name is Dave Wade a fire service professional with more than 22 years of experience in the field. I currently serve as the Deputy Fire Chief for Carroll County Fire Rescue; over my career I have demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills throughout my career.

I began my journey in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter with Haralson County Fire Department in 1999. Over the years, I have progressed through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, responsible for the training division and fire investigations. In 2001, I joined the City of Carrollton Fire Department and obtained the rank of Engineer. I assisted with many areas of training, suppression, investigations, and public education within the department. In 2021, I joined the Carroll County Fire Rescue as the Deputy Fire Chief. In each role, I have been committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community I serve.

As the Deputy Fire Chief, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the fire department. I work closely with the Fire Chief to develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure the department operates efficiently and effectively. Additionally, I am responsible for managing the department's budget, supervising personnel, and ensuring that all equipment and apparatus are maintained and in good working order.

I am a dedicated and skilled fire service professional who is committed to ongoing professional development. I have completed numerous training programs and courses throughout my career, and hold several certifications, including Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Associate of Science in Fire Science, trained to the level of Fire Officer 4, and Paramedic. I am also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia State Firefighters Association, Georgia Association Fire Chiefs, International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Georgia Fire Investigators Association.

Chris Grimaldi

Born in Uniondale, New York, I moved with my family to Marietta, Georgia early 1980 after my father got hired as a firefighter with the City of Atlanta. I moved to Douglas County when I was in third grade. In June of 1994, I graduated from Alexander High School in Douglasville, GA, and soon thereafter began my career as a Firefighter/EMT. I volunteered with the Douglas County Fire Department until October 18, 1995, when my dream of becoming a full-time firefighter came true. During my career with Douglas County, I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served several years on the department’s Special Operations unit.

Wishing to follow in my dad’s footsteps, I joined the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department on February 24, 2005. Since becoming a City of Atlanta firefighter, I rose through the ranks, and today serve as a Captain/Paramedic assigned to the department’s Training Academy. I come from a family with generations of commitment to public safety. In addition to my dad and grandfather, my older brothers have served their community through firefighting and law enforcement as well.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Callie, my daughter Mayci, my son-in-law Matthew, who is also a firefighter, and my two boys: Bradyn and Brodey. I have two beautiful grandchildren: Rowen and Sadie. My hobbies include deer hunting and supporting my boys’ sports teams. My family are faithful members of Midway Church in Villa Rica.

Brian Finley

I began my career in law enforcement in 1999 as a part-time jailer with the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office before accepting a full-time position with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer in 2001. I graduated basic mandate in 2002 and was employed as a police officer with the Mount Zion Police Department. In 2004, I returned to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff and have been fortunate enough to serve in many capacities. I have served as a K-9 handler with the Interstate Crime Unit, detached to the Department of Homeland Security as a task force agent, Investigations, Court Services, and am currently the Training Coordinator.

Matt Waigand

I was born and raised just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I moved down to the South to attend college, where I found my Savior and my home. Received my CPA in 2022 and received the much greater accomplishment of marrying my beautiful wife just a few months later.

Damon Partin

I'm originally from Palmetto, GA. After graduating from Palmetto High School and West Georgia College, I began a career in law enforcement that spanned 32 years. I spent 10 years with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and 22 years with the Douglasville Police Department. All my years of service eventually led me to retirement in 2022. My interests and hobbies since retirement include: Carpentry, automotive mechanics, travel and mini farming.

Luke Wyatt

Stationed in North Georgia since 2004 but originally from New York, I’ve found that this great state has adopted me as one of its own. I'm an engineer; a winemaker; an artisan; a father; a poet; an explorer; and a lifelong learner who's embarked on a path of existential cultivation. I've been developing projects for nearly two decades now in various industries and still find it engaging. This journey of life has been arduous to say the least, but quite captivating as well. I've been fortunate to have many unique souls walk alongside me over the years, and I am extremely grateful for each and every one of them.