Atlanta Chief Betts retiring
Atlanta Police/ Fire Chief Robin Betts has put his notice that he will be retiring. Robin has served the city of Atlanta nearly for 35 years. According to City Commissioner David Cockrell, Betts is the first public safety director that was qualified to do both positions. He will be retiring from both of those positions.
“I started in December of 1986 as a volunteer firefighter,” notes Betts, “On May 16, 1988, I started full time as a firefighter/EMT. By 1990, I had completed Fire Academy, Police Academy, and finishing Paramedic School. “
Betts also noted that he “served in several capacities while at the fire department: fireman, fire marshal, emergency management coordinator, arson investigator, EMT/ paramedic. I was promoted to the rank of fire chief in 2008. I served as chief till the age of fifty when I became eligible to retire with 30 plus years on the job.”
“I have been an employee of the City of Atlanta since 1988. I retired from the Atlanta Fire Department in January 2019. Upon retiring, City Manager David Cockrell approached me to become the Public Safety Director for the city. This entitled me to serve as both Fire and Police Chief allowing the opportunity to combine resources and education to better the city’s public safety response.”
It was this year that Betts decided to retire, deciding to move in a whole different direction after 35 years. “I feel that I was effective in our community and excited about life’s new adventure. It will allow more time to spend with family. My wife and I have been blessed with the opportunity to purchase Bronco Pawn and Gun in Queen City. We are looking forward to retiring from the public safety sector and exploring new adventures of going into business together.”
Betts looks back fondly regarding his time in service. “I grew up in Atlanta and this is home to me and my family, I feel very blessed to have been able to serve the citizens of Atlanta in their time of need. I have always been passionate about helping others in need to overcome a problem.”
“I would like to say “THANK YOU” to the community for allowing me to serve and protect you and your families. I would also like to say, “THANK YOU” to all the co-workers, supervisors, and city administration for allowing me to be a small part of the team to protect our community.”
Cockrell says that “his service will be greatly misse but greatly appreciated. I am really excited for Robin for this new chapter in life with his family and wife. Looking forward to him being very successful in the private sector. Robin has done a fantastic job. I wish him all the best. We are always excited to help see our folks fulfill their lifelong dreams.”
Miranda Johnson the Atlanta City Development Corporation Executive Director who has worked with Betts for some time agrees with Cockrell. “Robin was always there when you needed him. It will be hard to replace someone like him.”
Cockrell will be working in the coming weeks with the Atlanta City Council in executive session to decide what the best course of action to move forward with Betts departure.
“We are blessed that we have good people in both departments that can manage both departments until a decision is made on a Chief and Fire Chief,” including Assistant Fire Chief Ricky Draper, and Assistant Police Chief Greg Restelle.