Columbia County Fire Operations Chief Danny Kuhlmann started volunteering with the department in 1981 after being inspired by a popular 1970s TV show. Nearly 43 years later, he remains with the department, continuing to serve the community and impart wisdom to the next generation of firefighters.
Kuhlmann, 60, of Martinez, started out as a teenage volunteer with Columbia County Fire Rescue. After a few years, he became a paid firefighter – starting a career that would span almost half a century.
“The fire service is very addicting,” Kuhlmann said. “It was almost like a drug. In high school, I became a sous chef and worked a little bit of construction, but the fire service was just exciting. Day by day, you never knew what you were going to get. Helping people and serving the community was second to none to me.”
A Jack of all trades
In May 1989, Kuhlmann became the youngest training officer in Georgia, going on to train Columbia County firefighters for 19 years. He now serves as one of the department’s two assistant chiefs. He handles fire operations and special operations, overseeing six battalion chiefs.