Office of Public Safety

With over thirty-eight (38) years of progressive fire service experience, Fullum served as Fire Chief of the DeKalb Fire Rescue Department (GA) since 2014. Under his leadership and commitment to a progressive, innovative approach, the department of 850 members undertook numerous initiatives that significantly improved its operations and safety standards. He cultivated a data-informed culture and spearheaded a strategic plan to identify gaps and prepare for anticipated growth.

Previously, he served with the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department (GA) for twenty-seven (27) years before retiring to accept the DCFR Fire Chief position. He has held several leadership roles, including lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, training chief, fire marshal, and deputy fire chief. He was appointed to key positions throughout his career, including district chief/liaison for several newly formed cities and Interim Director of the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency.

Fullum's dedication to lifelong learning is evident in his academic achievements. He holds a master’s degree in leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Management, Cum Laude, from Shorter University. His commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, membership in the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE), and completion of the yearlong International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) and the four–year National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program.

Fullum serves on college advisory boards, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, and previously served as President of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association. He also shares his expertise as an adjunct facilitator/instructor for the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ FSEDI and the IAFC Chiefs' Edge executive education programs. His contributions have been recognized by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, which awarded him the 2023 Fire Chief of the Year.

Fullum proudly served in the United States Army for three years as an infantry soldier. He was promoted to squad leader/acting sergeant and received an honorable discharge.

Fullum was raised in a small town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where a strong blue-collar work ethic inspired him. He and his wife, Kim, have been married for twenty-nine years and are proud parents of one son.

• Coordinated and Data-Driven Services: Aims to provide strategic leadership that advances highly coordinated public safety efforts across the county, utilizing data to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
• Reimagining DeKalb: Committed to realizing CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s vision of "reimagining DeKalb" by implementing a more progressive and innovative framework for public safety services.
• Modernizing and Streamlining Systems: Modernizing public safety infrastructure and streamlining systems to improve overall efficiency and response capabilities.
• Team and Morale Building: Building on his reputation for high employee morale, plans to develop strong, motivated teams across all public safety divisions.
• Community-Focused Safety: Fostering community engagement to ensure that public safety services remain responsive to the specific needs of DeKalb's citizens.

The Office of Public Safety oversees six departments working together to deliver responsive, coordinated, and compassionate service: