CLEVELAND, Ga. — City of Cleveland has selected Jason Bryant as its new fire chief following approval by Mayor and City Council after an executive session Thursday evening, City Manager Kevin Harris said.
Bryant currently serves as deputy chief with Gilmer County Fire and Rescue, where he was originally hired as a battalion chief. Before his service in Gilmer County, he retired from the Henry County Fire Department, holding roles that included firefighter, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He brings more than 31 years of supervisory and executive leadership experience in fire service operations, administration and emergency response, Harris said.
Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner praised the appointment, citing Bryant’s experience and leadership. “Jason Bryant brings a strong work ethic, proven leadership, and a deep dedication to serving others,” Turner said. “We are confident he will continue to strengthen the Cleveland Fire Department, support our firefighters, and ensure the highest level of service and protection for our community.”
Bryant said he is grateful for the opportunity and outlined his vision for the department. “I am deeply honored and grateful to accept the position of Fire Chief for the City of Cleveland,” he said. “Thank you to Mayor Josh Turner, the City Council, and the entire fire department for this opportunity. I look forward to serving our community, building on the department’s proud legacy, and continuing to protect and support the residents and businesses of Cleveland with dedication and integrity.”
The city conducted a competitive hiring process that began in September 2025, Harris said. After an initial screening to ensure candidates met minimum qualifications, a panel of fire chiefs reviewed applications and advanced eight candidates to interviews. Four finalists were then interviewed by the mayor and City Council before Bryant was selected.
The city also thanked Bo Medlock, who served as interim fire chief following the retirement of longtime chief Ricky Pruitt. “We are grateful to Bo Medlock for his professionalism and leadership as Interim Chief,” Turner said. “His commitment ensured continuity, stability, and excellence within the department during an important time.”
Outside of his professional credentials, Bryant is married to his wife, Marcie, and they have two adult children. Their daughter, Maddie, is a former Division I volleyball player at Georgia Southern and works in corporate operations at Chick-fil-A. Their son, Max, is a student-athlete at Carson-Newman University.
