Southside Fire/EMS & Security announced Thursday that retired Chief Wesley Meadows passed away December 15th following a brief illness. Chief Meadows retired as chief and general manager of SSFD in 2014 following a 43 year career in emergency services, 26 of those with SSFD.

During his tenure with the department, Chief Meadows successfully lead the department by opening and remodeling various fire stations, updating certifications and requirements for all emergency personnel, operating a fiscally sound non-profit organization, and leading the team that secured SSFD as the sole provider of EMS 911 services in Chatham County as of 2011.

“One cannot significantly communicate the positive impact that Chief Meadows had on Southside Fire/EMS & Security and the entire Chatham County community,” said SSFD Board President Tim Blanco. “He was an innovator within emergency services and was always able to find a way to do more with less. Chief Meadows and his family have continuously given back their time and talents to ensure the safety of our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Meadows family.”

"Chief Meadows was dedicated to serving the citizens and visitors of Chatham County with the very best Fire and EMS services available. He helped build a great department in our community," said Southside CEO Chuck Kearns.

His dedication to the community was unsurpassed. Co-workers remember him frequently saying that the reason he became a firefighter was to provide exemplary fire services to the communities he served. Chief Meadows was past president of the Georgia Fire Chief’s Association, the Southeastern Fire Chief’s Association, and the International Private Emergency Services Association. He also received a Class A Valor Award from the Governor of Georgia for his rescue of two young children from a second floor apartment during a fire.