HCFEMS - Administration

Fire Chief Steve Wirth was born and raised in Urbana, Illinois. In 1981 he graduated from Urbana High School, where he began his Emergency Services career as a volunteer with the Longview Volunteer Fire Department. In 1983, Chief Wirth attended the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he was officially certified as a Firefighter. The next year, he attended Parkland Junior College, and received his certification as a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician. That same year, he was hired by the City of Paris, Illinois as a career Firefighter. Through hard work and determination, Steve rose up the ranks of his department and became an Engineer, Captain, then the highest position available, Fire Chief. This is where he would maintain his career up until December of 2008, where he would choose to retire from the City of Paris Illinois Fire Department.

It wasn’t until May of 2009, that Chief Wirth made the decision to relocate his family to Centralhatchee Georgia, where he would accept the position of Deputy Fire Chief for the Heard County Fire and Emergency Services. Steve Wirth currently holds certifications as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Hazmat Operations, Fire Investigator, Company Officer, and Chief Officer. With all these certifications, he also has in his possession, an Associates Degree in Fire Science from John Woods Community College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University.

Steve is a very proactive individual having affiliations to several industry organizations as well; such as, the Georgia State Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Protection Association, and Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services. Heard County is grateful to have such a well accomplished, and hard working individual among the incredibly important positions that is Emergency Services.

Personal Biography:

Steve Wirth is married to the love of his life, Mary Wirth, where they raised two wonderful daughters. They are now the grandparents, of three beautiful grandchildren. Both Steve and his wife are active members of the Franklin United Methodist Church and in their spare time, enjoy many activities; such as, wood-working, riding motorcycles, and most importantly, spending time with their family.

Professional Biography: