Meet Chad Thomas: Fire Captain

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chad Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chad, how do you think about risk?
I feel risk is an essential part of life. Most people may look at risk as a negative thing, which some risks can be, but I look at it as a chance for growth. Looking back over my life, all the success that I have accomplished has come by way of taking risks. It takes significant courage to face the risk of failing but once you face the risk and overcome the stresses that come along with it, there are great rewards at the other end. We have all heard the saying that success does not come in ones comfort zone. I could not agree more with this statement. When I find myself becoming comfortable at my position in life, I find a new challenge to conquer. Many times I have found myself being in a comfort zone and completely uprooting myself that places me in an uncomfortable position. Even though this new uncomfortable level comes with a fear of the unknown, looking back I have always met growth doing this.

As stated earlier, risk is an essential part of life. Risk is necessary for any growth, no matter what field you are in. Could you fail taking risks, sure you can but take them anyway.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been in the fire service now a total of 20 years. Through these years, I’ve had more good years than bad. I began my career in a small department but entering the fire service I had a dream of advancement. For this I changed departments in 2003 to a large scale fire department, The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD). During my time with AFRD, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the busiest units in the city. Over time I have been able to climb through the ranks to the level of Captain. This was not an easy task and it required me to leave my comfort zone many times.

In 2018, I was honored to be requested to become one of the Captains assigned to Station 16. Station 16 is a very historic Station. One of it’s main historic value is being the first integrated Station in the city of Atlanta. Through this integration, the city hired the first 16 African American Firefighters, which firefighters refer to as the “original 16”. All were housed at Station 16. In 1977, the first African American women would also join the ranks.

Another privilege that I was able to enjoy while being assigned to Station 16, is being the coordinator of it’s annual Christmas party. This party began in 1970 by the original 16, and still continues until today. This event accommodates 500 children from the Vine City, English Ave, and Washington Park communities. The party is a full scale event which provides a full meal and toys to the families from these communities. For the annual Christmas Party, a committee has been put in place in hopes that it will always continue. Last year would have been our 50th year milestone, but due to Covid 19 it was unsafe to host.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The city of Atlanta is an amazing city. One thing I love about Atlanta are the numerous excellent restaurants. I am a lover of two foods, steaks and seafood. For the steaks I would take my best friend to Marcel, which in my personal opinion has the best steak in the city. For seafood, I would go to a host of places such as Pappadeaux, Spondivits, and Six Feet Under just to name a few. I’ve never been much of a club person. I would prefer a more relaxed atmosphere such a cigar lounge. I would take him to one of the ones in the downtown area called red phone booth. It has an prohibition period theme and is very laid back.
To end the week, if it’s football season, we would have to go check out the Atlanta Falcons at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium. I am a huge Falcon fan, and taking someone from out of town to the new stadium would be phenomenal experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The person that has been most instrumental to me is my wife Kim. Throughout my years in the fire service. she has been my motivator when I have taken so many risks. Along with the risks, I have obtained degrees and attended numerous courses away from home but she has always stayed the course and continues to be my number one supporter. In the fire service, I cannot talk about alot about our success without mentioning The Executive Director of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation,Mrs. Shirley Ann Smith. Shirley has shown her dedication to the department by making sure firefighters are taking care of in their “home away from home”. Whenever I have made a request to Shirley, either for me or one of my crew members, she has always delivered. For this I am totally grateful for.

Linkedin: Chad Thomas

Image Credits
Headshot- Catteyemedia
Event photos- John Green
Incident photo- Walter Bell Photography