After a nationwide search, the Alpharetta City Council on Monday night named a 15-year law enforcement veteran from Cobb County as its new director of public safety.
John Robison, who has served as police chief in Powder Springs since February 2015, will begin his new job in the North Fulton city on Jan. 3. He will lead Alpharetta’s police, fire, 911 and emergency management services, a department with 262 positions.
Robison previously served in Alpharetta, achieving the rank of lieutenant, before leaving in 2011 to pursue leadership positions elsewhere. “John was part of our team for 10 years, so he will be coming in with a strong knowledge of our organization and culture and the respect of the public safety professionals he will be leading,” City Administrator Bob Regus said.
Robison will replace Gary George, who will retire in January after 46 years in law enforcement. George joined Alpharetta as police chief in 2001 and led the merger of police, fire, communications and emergency services into a unified public safety department.
Robison began his law enforcement career in Alpharetta in 2001. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University, a master of public administration from Columbus State University, and a doctorate of public administration from Valdosta State University. Robison also holds a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
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