Training Division

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Eric Farmer

Eric Farmer

Division Chief of Training

The mission of the Training Division is to facilitate opportunities to meet continuing education and certification requirements set forth by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC), the Georgia State Office of EMS and the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The continual training efforts supported by the Division ensure a competent, efficient, and effective emergency response organization. This Division is staffed with three full-time training professionals who serve the unique needs of each department member. Training objectives include:

  • Support employee training and professional development at all levels of the organization and in all subject areas to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities.

  • Maintain training records consistent with industry standards.

  • Administer the new employee orientation program.

  • Support Fire and EMS certification/recertification process as required.

Eric Farmer began his career with the Smyrna Fire Department in 1998. He was promoted to Lieutenant in Response in 2005, where he served as a Station Officer at multiple stations.

Eric was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2011. He served various Chief Officer roles in Response and Administration. Starting in January 2026, he was appointed as the Division Chief over Training/ Professional Development Section.

Eric is an instructor for Blue Card Command, Structural Fire Control, and has an executive certificate in leadership excellence from the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University office of Executive Education.

Chief Farmer has earned an associate degree in Fire Science at West Georgia Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University and is a state certified Paramedic. He holds a Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFO) from the Commission on Professional Credentialing.