Stephen Sears promoted to assistant chief at Cleveland Fire Department

CLEVELAND, Ga. — After helping reshape the Cleveland Fire Department’s training and fire prevention programs over the past year, Stephen Sears is taking on an even bigger leadership role. He has been promoted to assistant chief of training and fire marshal, effective Monday, July 27.

Sears joined the department in 2025 as training captain and fire marshal, where he established the department’s first Training Division and Fire Marshal’s Office, expanded firefighter certification opportunities, modernized operating guidelines and strengthened fire prevention and training programs.

As assistant chief, he will oversee training, fire prevention, code enforcement, fire investigations and community risk reduction while serving as acting chief in the absence of Fire Chief Jason Bryant.

“Stephen has earned this opportunity through his professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence,” Bryant said. “His vision, work ethic and dedication have played a tremendous role in the progress our department has made over the past year.”

Army veteran

Bryant called Sears “a respected leader, an outstanding instructor and someone who genuinely cares about the success of our firefighters and the safety of our community.”

Sears brings more than a decade of fire service and emergency medical experience to the position. He also serves as a training lieutenant with White County Fire Services and retired from the U.S. Army after serving as a platoon sergeant and critical care flight paramedic.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration, is pursuing a master’s degree in Fire Executive Leadership and holds numerous advanced fire service certifications.

“This promotion is about more than filling a position—it’s about strengthening our leadership team for years to come,” Bryant said. “Stephen’s experience, education and dedication make him the right person to help lead the Cleveland Fire Department as we continue building on our tradition of service and excellence.”