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After nearly four decades of public service, Fire Chief Michael Strickland has announced his retirement from Troup County, effective Aug. 1, 2025 at 5 pm.

Chief Strickland has served as the Troup County Fire Chief since January 2022. He previously served as Interim Fire Chief and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director for Troup County in 2021.

Strickland is a Certified Fire Chief through the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and an Advanced Certified Emergency Manager through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. He also holds additional certifications in Fire, EMS and Emergency Management, including National Professional Qualification Firefighter 1 and 2, Aerial and Pumper Operator, Fire Inspector 1, Fire Instructor 1 and 2, and Fire Officer 1, 2, 3 and 4. Strickland is also a State of Georgia Paramedic and a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

Before joining Troup County, Strickland served in the Fayette County Fire/EMS Department in a variety of roles, including Assistant Fire Marshal, Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and has been a resident of Troup County, Georgia since 2017. He and his wife, Tammy, have four amazing children and three precious grandchildren.

“I am truly honored and blessed that I have had the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief over the last four years,” said Strickland. “I want to sincerely thank County Manager Eric Mosley and the Troup County Board of Commissioners for allowing me to serve in this position. After almost 38 years as a firefighter, paramedic, fire officer and Fire Chief, it is time for me to step back and slow down and spend quality time with my family. I am excited about the next chapter of my life and look forward to my next opportunity.”

“I am very grateful for the professionalism and leadership that Chief Strickland has brought to the Fire Department throughout his time with Troup County,” said County Manager Eric L. Mosley. “His unwavering commitment to public safety has made a lasting impact on the fire service in our community, and I wish him a happy, fulfilling retirement.”

The Troup County Board of Commissioners also extends its sincere appreciation for Chief Strickland’s dedicated service to Troup County and congratulates him on this well-deserved retirement. Deputy Fire Chief/EMA Director Zachary Steele has been named Interim Fire Chief as the County begins the search for Strickland’s successor.