South Fulton didn't know it when they hired Freddie Broome in May, but the city got the best fire chief in Georgia that year.

Broome was named fire chief of the year at the 2019 Georgia Fire Service Conference in Albany earlier this month, according to the city.

His last day as chief of the Valdosta Fire Department was June 16 and his first day leading fire services in the city of 100,000 residents was June 17.

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“It is truly an honor to be recognized by your colleagues for such a distinguished award. I will continue to be a committed and strong leader in the Fire Service as well as ensure the residents in the community I serve receive World Class services,” Broome said in a news release.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native was hired at age 46 with an annual salary of $125,000.

The opening was created by the retirement of Larry Few after 38 years of fire service.

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In 2017, just months after incorporating, the city tried and failed to change its name to Renaissance. This time around, Mayor Bill Edwards says there will be more community input.

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