Keith Alford has served the Columbus Fire and EMS Department since 2002. He advanced through the ranks and was promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November 2025. Chief Alford began his career as a Firefighter/EMT and has since served in progressively responsible operational roles, including Paramedic, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.

Throughout his career, Battalion Chief Alford has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, firefighter safety, and professional development. He possesses extensive experience in both fire suppression and emergency medical operations, having served in several of the department’s busiest stations. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Chief Alford has played a key role in the development and support of the department’s peer mental health support program, reinforcing the importance of wellness and resilience within the fire service.Battalion Chief Alford holds multiple professional certifications, including Paramedic, Public Information Officer, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Instructor II, and Fire Officer III. He has earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development and departmental initiatives.

Kevin Alford is a husband and father of two children. Chief Alford has served the department since 1996, rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November 2021. As a paramedic, Chief Alford provides medical coordination for all squad field EMS positions (up to 15 ambulances daily), as well as direction and support for the fire suppression companies assigned to his battalion.

Battalion Chief Alford has completed numerous classes that include hazmat certifications, bomb classes, and multiple National Incident Management System classes. He is additionally certified as a National Traffic Incident Management Responder. Chief Alford is a nationally registered paramedic and has completed an associate degree in fire science.

Battalion Chief Sam Bush enlisted in the military in 1984 and attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC; AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA; Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA; and Special Forces 18E at Ft. Bragg, NC. After returning to his unit, he then attended Officer Candidate School and received his military commission as a 2LT. BC Bush resigned his commission upon acceptance into the Department in 1991.After joining the department, Chief Bush rose through the ranks and was promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in December, 2015.

Chief Bush attended Georgia Smoke Diver School and subsequently helped to write, develop and instruct the department’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Survivor school. After instructing several of the first SCBA classes he then attended the class himself. As the Department’s special rescue disciplines were being developed, Chief Bush completed his specialty training as a rescue diver, rope rescue and confined space rescue technician.

Brian Dorriety has served the department since 1996, rising through the ranks and promoted to his current rank of Battalion Chief in November, 2023. Chief Dorriety is a nationally registered paramedic with dual certifications in both Georgia and Alabama. He has earned an Associate’s degree in Fire Science and Liberal Arts from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. As a paramedic, Chief Dorriety provides medical coordination for all squad field EMS positions (up to 15 ambulances daily), as well as direction and support for the fire suppression companies assigned to his battalion.

Battalion Chief Dorriety holds many certifications such as: Fire Officer 1, 2; Fire Instructor 1; Paramedic Level 3 Instructor; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor; Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor; and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor. Chief Dorriety also serves as the Regional Trauma Advisory Council Coordinator and the Regional Stop the Bleed Coordinator, Instructor. 

Donald Jones has served the department since 1989, rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in October, 2011. Currently, Chief Jones oversees two of the department’s specialty disciplines on his squad: water rescue and hazardous materials response.  

Chief Jones has achieved certifications as a Hazardous Materials Technician, Rescue Technician, Swift Water Technician, and SCBA Survivor. He is a also member of the Fire Department Safety Officer Association. Chief Jones has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College, and has been awarded several life-saving commendations and a Valor Award.

Ronald (“RB”) Jones has served the department since 1994 rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in March, 2019. Chief Jones has served and retired from the military with 21 years of dedicated service. Chief Jones is a certified Hazardous Materials Technician as well as a certified Safety Officer.

He has earned a Certificate in Fire Science; several Associate’s degrees (Fire Science, Liberal Arts, Elementary Education) from the Community College of the Air Force; and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy State University. Chief Jones is proudly serving his community and is honored to be a part of this world class organization.

Michael “Shaun” Sadler serves as a Battalion Chief with Columbus Fire and EMS, dedicating himself to the fire service since 2000. He holds an Associate’s degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and has been a certified Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate since 2001.

Shaun’s expertise extends into water rescue as a Public Safety Diver certified with NAUI, achieving the distinction of Master Diver. His commitment to emergency response is further demonstrated by his role as a Hazmat Technician with the Columbus Hazmat Team since 2002. Additionally, he has been an integral part of the Special Operations Team, contributing to numerous high-stakes missions.

Beyond his operational duties, Shaun has proudly represented his department in the annual Georgia Police and Fire Games since 2001. As a dedicated member of the Columbus Firefighter Association, he exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to both his community and fellow firefighters.

Lance Smith has served the department since 2000 rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November, 2022. He holds an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

Battalion Chief Smith has obtained the certifications of National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, and Hazardous Materials Technician.  As a paramedic, Chief Smith provides medical coordination for all squad field EMS positions (up to 15 ambulances daily), as well as direction and support for the fire suppression companies assigned to his battalion.

Jeffery Thomas has served since 1994 rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November, 2018. He has an associate degree in Fire Science and is currently working on his Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Troy State University.

Battalion Chief Thomas has obtained the certification of Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate and Rescue Technician.