Editor’s Note: Outgoing Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black penned an open letter to the community following his decision to retire from his 40-year public service career. Here is his letter in its entirety.
Since 1987, I have been blessed and honored to be part of the Habersham community, working part-time with E.M.S. and Habersham County Medical Center. The welcome I received from the community and the pleasure I had in providing care to the citizens when in need is unparalleled.
When I retired from Hall County Fire after 31 plus years in 2016, I knew where I needed to be – Habersham County – to finish my Public Safety career.
Jack Moody – the former E.M.S. Director and a mentor – hired me full time, and when Jack retired in 2017, a true honor was bestowed upon me to be named his replacement as E.M.S. Director. Then, fast forward to early 2018, a meeting with then-County Manager Phil Sutton and Hospital C.E.O. Lynn Boggs, where I learned the hospital would be transitioning E.M.S. to the county and merging with Fire Services. My new position would be Director of Emergency Services, and we had about three weeks until the commission would meet again to approve this. Following that vote, we would have about three weeks to complete the merger, a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.
Never fear, the personnel of Habersham E.M.S. and the Habersham County Fire Department was up to this challenge, and they made it happen. There were bumps in the road, but overall, this was a success, and I give that success to the men and women of what is now Habersham County Emergency Services. They are genuinely some of the very best, and this county needs to continue to support and help grow this department because you have some of the best serving!
Like every career, at some point, it will come to an end, and mine is here. It’s time for someone else to step up and take this outstanding department to the next level. I have made my direct report to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, the County Commission, and our personnel of HCES of my intentions to leave my position as Director/Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services, effective January 14th, 2022.
I am unable to find appropriate words to express my appreciation to the men and women of this department, county administration, county commission, Sheriff Joey Terrell and his personnel, Lynn Smith, city fire and police chief’s and their personnel, media/press, and the business leaders and citizens of Habersham County. You welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I am forever grateful and humbled for you allowing me to serve this grand county.
Phil Sutton, you put your trust in me and took a chance, and I will always be grateful for your support and leadership. I hope I never let you down.
To the men and women of HCES, your support and friendship, I can never find the words appropriate to say thank you, you are my family. I love every one of you dearly.
Fire Chief Jeff Cain, and E.M.S. Director Jack Moody, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and having a foundation with Fire and E.M.S. for us to build upon; I will never forget what you have done for this community and me personally.
I also need to thank Interim-County Manager Alicia Vaughn. She has been one of the best I have ever worked with; I can’t thank her enough for her guidance and leadership during our short work time together.
No doubt, I will miss this profession after 40-years, and I will miss the people, but I will still come back and visit the best I have ever worked with and always consider you, the men and women of this department and this county, family.
I hope this county and city leadership, the business community, and citizens continue to support your public safety professionals and their agencies. Because of your support, you have these fine men and women that comprise so many great departments in this county!
It’s challenging hiring and keeping personnel in today’s times. Your return on investment will be invaluable to this county and cities within! You have the finest, always striving to find ways to keep them home and serve these communities. The R.O.I. will be invaluable to everyone if you continue to invest, which I assure you will be a fact!
And once more, thank you, Habersham County; it was an honor to serve and be part of the family. Truly a blessing for me.
Sincerely,
Chad Black
Director/Fire Chief-Habersham County Emergency Services
