Waycross Fire Chief Jim Blackburn (second from left) is introduced by Waycross Exchange Club program chairman David Jordan (third from right) at a recent community event. Chief Blackburn, a career firefighter, shared insights into the Waycross Fire Department’s operations, highlighting its four fire stations, 24-hour shifts, and a $4.5 million budget. With a new $626,000 fire truck on order and a 2-fire rating, the department responded to 1,600 calls last year, installed 55 smoke detectors, and educated children on fire safety at every elementary school. Despite challenges from Hurricane Helene, the team worked tirelessly to clear roads for emergency access and continues to support the Georgia Firefighters Burn Center through their annual “Boot” fundraisers. With Blackburn and Jordan are club president David Johnson (left) and president-elect Kirby McSwain.
