05/19/2026
We are currently undergoing a transition. Please stay tuned for updates.
🚒 BIG NEWS FOR HOLMES COUNTY FIRE RESCUE 🚒
Sheriff John Tate is excited to announce that during this morning’s county commission meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to transfer the county volunteer fire departments to the Holmes County Sheriff's Office effective June 1, 2026.
Prior to the meeting, Sheriff Tate met with the fire chiefs from each department to discuss what this transition means for their departments and personnel. All of the chiefs were supportive of the move and expressed excitement about the future of fire services in Holmes County.
Sheriff Tate also met with Jeff McVay, who recently retired from Walton County Fire Rescue after 30 years of service and experience in the fire service industry. Sheriff Tate has officially hired McVay as the Holmes County Fire Chief. Many of the local fire departments already know and respect Chief McVay, and we are excited to have his leadership and experience guiding Holmes County Fire Rescue moving forward.
In the coming weeks, Sheriff Tate and Chief McVay will also be meeting with the city councils of each municipality that currently operates a fire department to discuss his vision for Holmes County Fire Rescue and determine if they are willing to come onboard and partner in this new direction for fire services.
We are excited about this new addition to HCSO and eager to get started making positive changes for the citizens of Holmes County through Holmes County Fire Rescue.
Stay tuned as we continue making major announcements regarding Fire Rescue in the near future.
