DeKalb County has named Darnell D. Fullum as its new Director of Public Safety, according to an announcement made on December 17, 2025. Fullum brings more than 38 years of experience in fire service and public safety leadership to the position.
“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. “His extensive operational knowledge, proven ability to modernize and streamline public safety systems, as well as build strong, motivated teams, makes him uniquely qualified to lead DeKalb County’s Public Safety efforts into the future.”
Fullum has led the DeKalb Fire Rescue Department since 2014, overseeing over 850 personnel across 26 fire stations. During his tenure, he implemented changes aimed at improving operational effectiveness and safety standards within the department.
Before joining DeKalb County, Fullum worked for Fulton County Fire Rescue Department for 27 years in various leadership roles. He also served as Interim Director of the Atlanta–Fulton County Emergency Management Agency.
Fullum holds a master’s degree in leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Shorter University. He is recognized by several professional organizations and was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs in 2023.
In addition to his professional roles, Fullum serves on college advisory boards and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. He previously led the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association and contributes nationally through executive education programs.
Fullum is also a U.S. Army veteran who served three years as an infantry soldier.
“I am honored and grateful for CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s confidence in me to serve as the next Director of Public Safety,” said Fullum. “After 38 years of public service, I still believe in the core mission of a public servant and am excited to work alongside the men and women of the Public Safety team who share that belief. I look forward to helping Madam CEO realize her vision of reimagining DeKalb and making the upcoming years the most progressive in the County’s history.”
Fullum will oversee coordinated public safety services throughout DeKalb County.
Earlier this week, outgoing Director Jack Lumpkin announced his retirement but will remain through February 2026 to support transition efforts.
Enrollment at DeKalb County schools declined by 2.2% during the 2022-23 academic year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). In total, there were 98,287 students enrolled during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students comprised about 14% of all students enrolled in county schools (https://www.gadoe.org/).
