City of Decatur Fire and Emergency
Chief Toni Washington joined the City of Decatur in 2009 as the first African American and first female to serve as the Fire Chief/Emergency Manager. She was the fourth African American female fire chief in the nation’s history. Her work involves planning and managing the operations of the fire department in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency management, and emergency medical services, and Chief Washington has worked diligently to educate the public on fire safety. She began her public safety career at State Fire Marshal’s Office; and then to a Metro Atlanta fire department where she promoted up to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief.
Chief Washington attended Savannah State University, where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management, then went on to receive a Master of Science in Managerial Leadership from National Louis University. In addition, she has attended the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute at Dillard University and the National Fire Academy, and she received her Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Her corporate background includes employment with the Turner Home Entertainment Marketing and Public Relations Team; serving on the staff of actress Jane Fonda and working with the Cobb Microenterprise Council.
Chief Washington’s professional affiliations include: Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Black Chief Officers Committee, The Chair of Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, Commissioner for the Commission on Professional Credentialing – Center for Public Safety Excellence, Women in Fire - Immediate Past President, Decatur Career Academy Advisory Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Georgia State Firefighters Association and various mentoring programs.
Toni and Gregory are the proud parents of three daughters, Tahj (Lyndon), Lark (Mark) and Lauryn; and five grandchildren, Little Lyndon, Logan and Legend, Sage and Wren.