Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services announced on April 8 the official opening of its new Fire Headquarters and Fire Station #1, with a ribbon cutting and hose disconnection ceremony scheduled for April 28.
The event marks a significant investment in public safety, operational readiness, and firefighter health. The department will close its current headquarters at 7810 Highway 85 at noon on April 17 to complete the relocation process. The new facility at 6345 Garden Walk Blvd in Riverdale will become operational on April 20 at 8:00 a.m., according to the announcement.
A key feature of the new headquarters is a nine-bed Health & Wellness Clinic dedicated to supporting both physical and mental well-being for firefighters. This clinic aims to provide not only annual medical screenings but also prevention programs focused on reducing injuries and long-term health risks. The opening coincides with National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, highlighting the importance of prioritizing firefighter wellness.
“This is more than a clinic—it’s a commitment,” said Fire Chief and EMS Director Tim Sweat. “We are investing in the health of our firefighters so they can continue to serve our community at the highest level. I invite everyone to come see the future of firefighter health and wellness right here at Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services.”
The ceremony will include traditional elements such as an official ribbon cutting as well as a fire hose disconnection, symbolically placing Station #1 into service. Three sections of fire hose representing each operational shift—A, B, and C—will be disconnected during the event. These hoses have been signed by firefighters, elected officials, and project partners; they will be displayed permanently in the station’s hose tower.
“This facility represents more than a building—it represents our promise to the citizens of Clayton County,” Sweat said. “A promise that we will continue to evolve, improve, and deliver the highest level of service possible.”
While these developments reflect changes within emergency services infrastructure, other aspects of Clayton County have also experienced shifts recently. Enrollment at Clayton County schools dropped by 2.5% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year according to data from Georgia Department of Education. In total, county schools enrolled about 61,644 students during that period according to Georgia Department of Education.
Regarding student demographics for that school year: Black students made up about 68% according to Georgia Department of Education, Hispanic students accounted for approximately 24% according to Georgia Department of Education, multiracial students represented around three percent according to Georgia Department of Education, while white students were two percent according to Georgia Department of Education.
Elected officials, community partners, residents are invited by Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services leadership team members—including Chief Sweat—to attend this historic occasion.
