DeKalb County CEO appoints Darnell Fullum as Director of Public Safety

DECATUR, GA– Darnell D. Fullum has appointed as DeKalb County’s new Director of Public Safety, bringing more than 38 years of distinguished fire service and public safety leadership to the role.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the appointment on today, Dec. 17. Fullum succeeds  Director Jack Lumpkin, who announced his retirement from the position earlier this week. Lumkin will stay on and support transition efforts until February 2026.

“Chief Fullum has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, good stewardship and unwavering commitment to the employees and citizens of DeKalb County”, said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “His extensive operational knowledge, proven ability to modernize and streamline public safety systems, as well as build strong, motivated teams, makes him uniquely qualified to lead DeKalb County’s Public Safety efforts into the future.”

Chief Fullum has served as Fire Chief of the DeKalb Fire Rescue Department (DCFR) since 2014, where he leads more than 850 members across 26 fire stations. Known for his progressive and innovative leadership, Chief Fullum has implemented initiatives that significantly strengthened operational effectiveness, improved safety standards, and enhanced employee morale throughout the department.

Prior to joining DeKalb County, Chief Fullum completed a 27-year career with the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, serving in a wide range of leadership roles including lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, training chief, fire marshal, deputy fire chief, and district chief/liaison for several newly formed cities. He also served as Interim Director of the Atlanta–Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, further broadening his experience in emergency management and intergovernmental coordination.

His commitment to professional excellence and continued education is reflected in his academic and specialized credentials. He holds a master’s degree in leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Management, Cum Laude, from Shorter University. He has earned the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE) and has completed both the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI) and the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program.

Fullum serves on college advisory boards, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and previously served as President of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association. He also contributes nationally as an adjunct facilitator and instructor for the IAFC’s FSEDI and Chief’s Edge executive education programs. His extraordinary service and leadership were recognized in 2023, when he was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs.

Chief Fullum is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served three years as an infantry soldier, attaining the rank of squad leader/acting sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge.

“I am honored and grateful for CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s confidence in me to serve as the next Director of Public Safety”, said Fullum. “After 38 years of public service, I still believe in the core mission of a public servant and am excited to work alongside the men and women of the Public Safety team who share that belief. I look forward to helping Madam CEO realize her vision of reimagining DeKalb and making the upcoming years the most progressive in the County’s history.” 

As Director of Public Safety, Fullum will provide strategic leadership and oversight to advance coordinated, data-driven, and community-focused public safety services across DeKalb County.