Instructor Bio | Eddie Robinson’s career in the fire service began in 1979 as a volunteer in his home town of Rock Hill, South Carolina. After high school, he joined the United States Army and, subsequently, joined the United States Army Reserve where he advanced to become a Drill Sergeant. Eddie retired from the Army Reserves in 2002 as a First Sergeant.

After relocated to Georgia he began his service to the citizens of Cherokee County at the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department. His career service with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services began a few years later, in January of 1999. Shortly after, in 2001, Eddie was promoted to Safety Officer, then later appointed to Administrative Captain/Safety Officer. In 2011, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Fire Chief where he served until March of 2022. On March 12, 2022 Eddie was appointed as Fire Chief of Cherokee County, following the retirement of his long-time mentor, Fire Chief Tim Prather.

Chief Robinson has been dedicated to community volunteer service. Some of his service
includes graduating from the Leadership Cherokee program, serving as the Leadership Cherokee Chair Person in 2008, and later became a member of the program’s steering committee. Chief Robinson has also served as lead advisor for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Explorer Post 469, who under his direction, received numerous awards at the annual Winterfest competitions. Chief Robinson is also responsible for spearheading the county’s annual Patriot Day Ceremony, which is held each September in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001.

Chief Robinson has earned many accolades that span his years serving in the Army and in the fire service. He earned 23 service ribbons from the U.S. Army, including The Drill Sergeant
Badge, Meritorious Service Award and Governor’s Unit Citation for Outstanding Service during and after Hurricane Hugo. In 2020, he earned the distinguished, Georgia Fire Chief Certification, from the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs. He has also attended numerous fire service training opportunities and is an active instructor for fire services throughout the state.

Chief Robinson and his wife Lorie have two children, Candace and Kenny. Kenny is currently serving as a full-time firefighter with Forsyth County and Pickens County. In addition, Chief Robinson has six grandchildren: Kody, Sadie, Macy, Gracey, Little Nick and Randy.