Smoke Daddy
The Georgia Smoke Diver program first coined the title Smoke Daddy in its infancy, a name that came to embody both respect and responsibility. The Smoke Daddy is recognized as a leader among equals—a primus inter pares—charged with setting the tone, spirit, and direction for each class of students. Over the years, several men have carried this mantle, some also serving as Incident Commander, guiding not only the students but the entire program.
Most notably, David Rhodes held both titles from 2005 to 2022, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and devotion. Following his departure, the role of Smoke Daddy evolved into one singularly focused on the students, ensuring their growth, resilience, and excellence, while the Incident Commander assumed responsibility for overseeing the instructors and program as a whole.
The Smoke Daddy remains a symbol of tradition, stewardship, and the enduring spirit of the Georgia Smoke Diver brotherhood. Since the creation of the Georgia Smoke Diver course there have been six members selected to serve as Smoke Daddy:
Cortez Lawrence - Smoke Diver #1
1978 - 1981
Served with the Department of Homeland Security
Died March 1, 2017
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Rob Fowler - Smoke Diver #10
1981 - 1983
Retired as Fire Chief from the LaGrange Fire Department
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John McLaughlin - Smoke Diver #9
1983 - 1984
Retired as Chief of Operations from the Cobb County Fire Department
Died November 23, 2017
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Scott Millsap - Smoke Diver #25
1985 - 1994
Retired as Training Captain from the City of Dalton Fire Department
Died September 23, 2002
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David Rhodes - Smoke Diver #339
1995 - 2022
Retired as Battalion Chief from the City of Atlanta Fire Department
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Jason Castoe - Smoke Diver #731
2022 - Present
