Charlie Cole

Charlie Cole, chief of the Gatlinburg Fire Department, has announced his intention to retire in January following a 38-year career with the city. Cole joined the Gatlinburg Fire Department in 1987 as a volunteer firefighter before transitioning into a full-time role. During his time with GFD, he served as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, EMS Coordinator, training officer, and was eventually appointed assistant chief. In 2018, he became the seventh chief of the department.