The Ware County Georgia Forestry Unit has welcomed Lamar Thrift as its new Chief Ranger.
Thrift has assumed the role following the recent retirement of former Chief Ranger Tommy Banks.
Thrift is a Waycross native, husband of Kelly Thrift and father of Jacks o n Thrift. He has been involved with Georgia Forestry since 2019, though his experience is not limited there.
Thrift has been a volunteer firefighter since 1994, and helped in the firefighting efforts against the Sweat Farm Fire in 2007, and the Race Pond Fire, Sessoms Fire and second Sweat Farm Fire in 2011.
Since joining Georgia Forestry, Thrift acted as the 2026 Strike Team Leader on the Pineland Road Fire and Highway 82 Fire. He has commended local fire departments for the “great job” they provide helping Georgia Forestry.
When asked about what his new position will bring, Thrift said there would be a few changes going forward.
“There will be some changes as far as day-today operations,” he said, “trying to get better at the customer service we do, installing fire breaks, harrowing, prescribed fire...”
He asked the community to reach out with any questions or concerns they may have. Thrift also said he wanted residents to be aware that parts of the state, including Ware County, are still in a drought.
“We’re still not totally out of the drought right now,” he said. “We’re still dry. Even though we’re getting some rainfall, we’re getting a lot of lightning strikes this time of year. Lightning is a very prevalent fire starter.”
Thrift’s office is located at 2999 Forest Drive. He can be reached at (912) 338-5967.
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