Columbus Fire & EMS

Keith Alford

Battalion Chief

Keith Alford has served the Columbus Fire and EMS Department since 2002. He advanced through the ranks and was promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November 2025. Chief Alford began his career as a Firefighter/EMT and has since served in progressively responsible operational roles, including Paramedic, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.

Throughout his career, Battalion Chief Alford has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, firefighter safety, and professional development. He possesses extensive experience in both fire suppression and emergency medical operations, having served in several of the department’s busiest stations. In addition to his operational responsibilities, Chief Alford has played a key role in the development and support of the department’s peer mental health support program, reinforcing the importance of wellness and resilience within the fire service.Battalion Chief Alford holds multiple professional certifications, including Paramedic, Public Information Officer, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Instructor II, and Fire Officer III. He has earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development and departmental initiatives.

Keith Alford

Kevin Alford

Battalion Chief

Kevin Alford is a husband and father of two children. Chief Alford has served the department since 1996, rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November 2021. As a paramedic, Chief Alford provides medical coordination for all squad field EMS positions (up to 15 ambulances daily), as well as direction and support for the fire suppression companies assigned to his battalion.

Battalion Chief Alford has completed numerous classes that include hazmat certifications, bomb classes, and multiple National Incident Management System classes. He is additionally certified as a National Traffic Incident Management Responder. Chief Alford is a nationally registered paramedic and has completed an associate degree in fire science.

Kevin Alford

Sam Bush

Battalion Chief

Battalion Chief Sam Bush enlisted in the military in 1984 and attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC; AIT at Ft. Gordon, GA; Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA; and Special Forces 18E at Ft. Bragg, NC. After returning to his unit, he then attended Officer Candidate School and received his military commission as a 2LT. BC Bush resigned his commission upon acceptance into the Department in 1991.After joining the department, Chief Bush rose through the ranks and was promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in December, 2015.

Chief Bush attended Georgia Smoke Diver School and subsequently helped to write, develop and instruct the department’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Survivor school. After instructing several of the first SCBA classes he then attended the class himself. As the Department’s special rescue disciplines were being developed, Chief Bush completed his specialty training as a rescue diver, rope rescue and confined space rescue technician.

Sam Bush

Donald 'Donnie' Jones

Battalion Chief

Donald Jones has served the department since 1989, rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in October, 2011. Currently, Chief Jones oversees two of the department’s specialty disciplines on his squad: water rescue and hazardous materials response.  

Chief Jones has achieved certifications as a Hazardous Materials Technician, Rescue Technician, Swift Water Technician, and SCBA Survivor. He is a also member of the Fire Department Safety Officer Association. Chief Jones has an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College, and has been awarded several life-saving commendations and a Valor Award.

Donald 'Donnie' Jones

Ronald Jones

Battalion Chief

Ronald (“RB”) Jones has served the department since 1994 rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in March, 2019. Chief Jones has served and retired from the military with 21 years of dedicated service. Chief Jones is a certified Hazardous Materials Technician as well as a certified Safety Officer.

He has earned a Certificate in Fire Science; several Associate’s degrees (Fire Science, Liberal Arts, Elementary Education) from the Community College of the Air Force; and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy State University. Chief Jones is proudly serving his community and is honored to be a part of this world class organization.

Ronald Jones

Chase Kinsman

Battalion Chief

Chase Kinsman proudly serves with Columbus Fire and EMS, bringing nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the Columbus community. His commitment to public safety is deeply rooted in a three-generation family legacy, reflecting a longstanding tradition of service, leadership, and dedication to others.

Chief Kinsman began his career as a firefighter and advanced through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief, gaining valuable operational experience and leadership insight at every level. A significant portion of his career was spent at Fire Station 1, which specializes in water rescue operations, where he developed a strong passion for public safety diving. Earning his Dive Master certification represents a significant professional accomplishment and reflects his commitment to specialized rescue operations and continued professional development. His additional qualifications include Nationally Registered Paramedic, Hazardous Materials Technician, Rope Technician, and Swiftwater Technician. He also serves as an active member of Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Task Force 9. 

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Chief Kinsman is a devoted husband and father of two sons and a daughter. His family remains a cornerstone of his life and a constant source of pride, motivation, and support. 

Chase Kinsman

Michael “Shaun” Sadler

Battalion Chief

Michael “Shaun” Sadler serves as a Battalion Chief with Columbus Fire and EMS, dedicating himself to the fire service since 2000. He holds an Associate’s degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and has been a certified Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate since 2001.

Shaun’s expertise extends into water rescue as a Public Safety Diver certified with NAUI, achieving the distinction of Master Diver. His commitment to emergency response is further demonstrated by his role as a Hazmat Technician with the Columbus Hazmat Team since 2002. Additionally, he has been an integral part of the Special Operations Team, contributing to numerous high-stakes missions.

Beyond his operational duties, Shaun has proudly represented his department in the annual Georgia Police and Fire Games since 2001. As a dedicated member of the Columbus Firefighter Association, he exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to both his community and fellow firefighters.

Michael “Shaun” Sadler

Tommy 'Lance' Smith

Battalion Chief

Lance Smith has served the department since 2000 rising through the ranks and promoted to his current position of Battalion Chief in November, 2022. He holds an Associate’s degree in Fire Science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

Battalion Chief Smith has obtained the certifications of National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, and Hazardous Materials Technician.  As a paramedic, Chief Smith provides medical coordination for all squad field EMS positions (up to 15 ambulances daily), as well as direction and support for the fire suppression companies assigned to his battalion.

Tommy 'Lance' Smith

Edmund Whitaker

Battalion Chief 

With 26 years of dedicated service in the fire service, Battalion Chief Edmund Whitaker has built a distinguished career grounded in leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to serving and protecting his community. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in emergency response, including specialized service as a member of the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Team. His diverse background also included serving as the department’s Fleet Maintenance Coordinator, where was responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operational readiness, and reliability of the department’s fire and emergency apparatus. These experiences have strengthened his leadership abilities, operational knowledge, and commitment to firefighter safety and organizational excellence. 
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Battalion Chief Whitaker is a devoted husband and proud father of two. He holds a bachelor’s degree and believes strongly in the importance of family, faith, education, mentorship, and community involvement. His leadership philosophy is centered on integrity, accountability, teamwork, and leading by example.

Edmund Whitaker