John Hurley brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service. He first began in 1996 in Gadsden, Alabama. In 2001, his strong desire to further advance his career led him to obtain a paramedic license.

After moving to Georgia in 2001 and working two short stints with the Carrollton & Gwinnett County Fire Departments, Hurley joined the Douglas County Fire/EMS Department in 2003.

Hurley has tirelessly worked long hours and days in his career like many of his peers. He’s worked his way through the ranks of firefighter, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and now proudly serves as a Station Captain assigned to Truck 1 on B Shift. Hurley has spent some time assigned as a Training Lieutenant in the Training Division.

Hurley’s a qualified fire service instructor and has been an EMS instructor since 2005 as well as a Hazardous Materials Technician and Instructor also.

When Hurley is not serving the public of Douglas County, he enjoys family time with his wife and two teenage sons, ages 16 and 13. Hurley’s occupation keeps him conscious of how precious life is, so when he’s off duty, he thoroughly enjoys spending time with his family. Often, Hurley must respond to the worst tragedies any family can imagine, so when it comes time for his own, he makes the moments count by taking memorable vacations with his own family annually.

Remembering special moments in his career, Hurley takes pride in his work in 2005 when he was deployed with a mutual aid response group to Hurricane Katrina. Hurley will never forget the experience of working in the aftermath of that deadly storm. He fondly recalls the opportunity to work with many firefighters who started their career as his EMT students.

Another moment Hurley cherishes is the ceremony where he received his bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2022. Having his family present and witnessing the result of his hard work and effort will be something he’ll cherish forever.