Press Releases

DECATUR, Ga. – Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills, DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025. All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., ending promptly at 10 p.m.

Today, DeKalb County announced the appointment of Darnell D. Fullum as Director of Public Safety, bringing more than 38 years of distinguished fire service and public safety leadership to the role. “Chief Fullum has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, good stewardship and unwavering commitment to the employees and citizens of DeKalb County”, said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.

Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, today signed Executive Order No. 2025-8, formally confirming the end of the County’s COVID-19 state of emergency and outlining DeKalb County’s transition to a post-emergency work plan for County offices and employees. The Executive Order aligns DeKalb County with the State of Georgia’s conclusion of its pandemic-related public health emergency, while reflecting lessons learned during the COVID-19 response about flexibility, productivity, and service delivery.

Toady, DeKalb County announced the retirement of two distinguished department heads whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on County government and the residents it serves, Benita Coakley Ransom, Director of Human Resources and Richard “Rick” Lemke, Director of Public Works. Ms. Ransom retires after nearly 15 years of faithful and exemplary service to DeKalb County, where she led one of the region’s most comprehensive and forward-thinking human resources operations.

Community leaders, nonprofit partners, and residents gathered on Saturday, December 13, for the Spirit of DeKalb Awards, an annual gala celebrating service, leadership, and compassion across DeKalb County. Proceeds from the event will directly support efforts to combat food insecurity and ensure greater access to nutritious meals for individuals and families in need. The gala was hosted by award winning radio personality, comedian and philanthropist, Ryan Cameron, featured entertainment by renowned artists, electric violinist, Alex Anh and Orchestra Noir.