Smoke Daddy
The Georgia Smoke Diver program coined the title Smoke Daddy in the program's infancy. The term refers to the leader of the Smoke Divers. In today’s public safety terms it can be interpreted to mean the incident commander or lead instructor of the class but it is more than just that. The Smoke Daddy is a leader among equals or Primus inter pares whose job is to set the tone and direction for the students as well as the instructors. The Smoke Daddy is chosen from among the members to serve in this capacity.
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
Formerly 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
