Meet Your Fire Chief / Fire Marshal

Meet Your Fire Chief / Fire Marshal

Fire Chief John K. Eisele is a results-driven and service-oriented leader whose career in fire and emergency services has been defined by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to the people he serves. With over 20 years of experience, Chief Eisele has made a lasting impact on the City of Gray and communities across Georgia through his leadership in fire protection, emergency medical services, public safety education, and emergency management.

Since being appointed Fire Chief for the City of Gray in 2018, Chief Eisele has transformed the department into a modern, community-first organization. Under his leadership, the department improved its ISO rating from Class 5 to Class 3—enhancing fire protection capabilities and reducing insurance costs for homeowners and businesses. Chief Eisele oversees a dedicated team of more than 30 personnel, leading efforts in training, operational readiness, and interagency collaboration. He has introduced comprehensive training programs, developed strategic emergency response plans, and fostered a department culture focused on professionalism, service, and community engagement.

Beyond the City of Gray, Chief Eisele serves as a Sergeant with the Henry County Fire Department, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. His leadership at the county level reflects his ability to adapt, lead, and serve in both urban and rural settings—always with a focus on protecting lives and strengthening community resilience.

Chief Eisele is also a seasoned EMS professional who has served with Navicent Health EMS for more than a decade. Covering Bibb, Jones, Baldwin, Twiggs, and Soperton counties, he has provided life-saving care during thousands of emergency responses. He previously served as an Director of Operations Manager and Training Officer for a multi-location private ambulance service, where he led disaster response efforts, developed staff training programs, and improved operational efficiency for more than 150 personnel.

His leadership also extends into public safety education. Chief Eisele currently serves as 2nd vice president for the Georgia Public Safety Educators Association, where he supports the advancement of fire and life safety throughout Georgia. He helps lead strategic planning, governance, and member engagement for the association, and is committed to developing future leaders through education networking and mentorship.

As a NPQ Evaluator and Proctor/Monitor for the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, Chief Eisele plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of firefighter certification testing statewide. His work ensures that every firefighter entering the field meets the highest standards of training and readiness.

Chief Eisele holds an Advanced Emergency Manager Certification from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)—a distinction that recognizes advanced knowledge in disaster response, recovery planning, and emergency coordination. This credential reflects his expertise in protecting communities not only from fires and medical emergencies, but from natural disasters and large-scale threats as well.

Academically accomplished, Chief Eisele earned an Associate of Science in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration, and a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management—all with honors. He also holds a wide range of state and national certifications, including Fire Chief, Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor I & II, Fire Inspector I & II, Hazmat Technician, and many others. He is an instructor with the Georgia Fire Academy and has taught numerous basic and advanced courses across the state.

Chief Eisele is a passionate advocate for community risk reduction and believes that public safety must begin with education and prevention. He has led local fire prevention initiatives, school safety programs, and community emergency preparedness workshops. Through strong partnerships with schools, civic groups, and neighboring agencies, he has made fire and life safety a shared community mission.

At the heart of Chief Eisele’s service is a genuine belief in people. Whether responding to a call, mentoring a new recruit, or working behind the scenes to improve operations, he leads with humility, purpose, and unwavering dedication to those who call the City of Gray home.

Through every role—as Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, EMS provider, Firefighter, educator, and all other roles—Chief John K. Eisele continues to serve with integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to making our communities safer, stronger, and more prepared for whatever may come.