GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Gatlinburg Fire Department Chief Charlie Cole has announced his retirement, effective Friday, January 2, 2026, closing out an accomplished 38-year career of service to the City of Gatlinburg.
Cole began his journey with the Gatlinburg Fire Department on March 26, 1987, as a volunteer firefighter. He later transitioned into a full-time role, serving in nearly every capacity within the Department. His career path included firefighter/EMT, firefighter/paramedic, EMS Coordinator, and Training Officer before advancing to Assistant Chief. In October 2018, Cole was appointed as the seventh Fire Chief in Gatlinburg Fire Department history, a position he has held with dedication and distinction.
“When I joined the Fire Department, I knew immediately this was where I belonged,” said Chief Cole. “Serving the community I grew up in has been both an honor and a blessing. My 38 years with the City have been incredibly rewarding and life-changing in the best possible ways. It has always been my calling to serve God and the people of Gatlinburg.”
Cole’s 38 years of service with the Department are greatly appreciated by the City.
“For 38 years, Charlie dedicated his life to protecting our community, leading with professionalism, courage, and a true servant’s heart,” Gatlinburg City Manager Greg Patterson said. “I had the privilege of working alongside him during my time as Fire Chief, and I witnessed firsthand his deep commitment to his fellow firefighters and the people of Gatlinburg.
“Chief Cole has been an integral part of our city’s progress and safety, and his legacy will be felt for generations,” Patterson said. “On behalf of the entire City, I thank him for his decades of service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
After starting his career with the Fire Department in the volunteer role, Cole then became a firefighter/EMT in 1994 and a firefighter/paramedic in 1996. Cole was promoted to EMS Coordinator in 2000, then served as Training Officer from 2005 to 2008. Cole was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2008, a role in which he served under then-Chief Greg Miller for 10 years.
Cole credits much of his development as a leader to his early years under then-Fire Chief Clell Ogle, whom he described as a mentor and father figure.
“Chief Ogle gave me advice and encouragement at every step of my career, and his influence helped shape the firefighter and leader I became,” Cole said.
Chief Cole’s retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career defined by service, leadership, and dedication to the Gatlinburg community.
“This has been the only real job I have ever had,” Cole said. “I will never take for granted all the people who have helped me along the way.”
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