Fire Marshal John Thomas poses with his wife Lori Thomas and Mayor Jim Arrington
Thomas began his career with the LaGrange Fire Department on February 13, 1996. He was the oldest recruit in his rookie school class and through hard work and determination, he earned the Agility Award during his training. One year later, he enrolled in EMT school and obtained his EMT-I certification.
In the late 1990s, John competed for several years on the Second Battalion Muster Team, where the team won multiple competitions and earned second-place honors behind the Third Battalion Muster Team.
In 2004, Thomas transitioned to the Fire Prevention Division as a Fire Inspector. With his background in construction, the role proved to be an excellent fit. He dedicated himself to professional development earning numerous certifications to enhance his ability to serve the community and ensure public safety. His certifications include NPQ Inspector I, II, and III, Fire Investigator I, Plan Review, Fire & Life Safety, Commercial Plan Review, and Commercial Building Inspector.
In 2008, Thomas was sworn in by the State of Georgia as a Local Fire Marshal, enabling him to assist the State with inspections within the city’s jurisdiction. In 2024, through John’s leadership and efforts, the City achieved a resolution with the State that eliminated the need for
customers to pay both state and city fees for plan reviews and inspections, a significant benefit to local businesses and developers.
As Fire Marshal for the City of LaGrange, Thomas conducts plan reviews for new projects and facilities to ensure full code compliance and also ensures that every commercial building is inspected annually for Fire & Life Safety compliance. Throughout his career, John has remained committed to protecting the citizens of LaGrange and ensuring the safety of the firefighters who serve them.
