FAYETTE COUNTY, GA, July 18, 2025 – After 46 years of dedicated service to Fayette County, Eddie McEachern will retire in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the field of public works and emergency response.

McEachern’s career began in 1975 when, at just 15 years old, he joined the Fayette County Volunteer Fire Department. He later became a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) while simultaneously starting full-time with the Fayette County Road Department in 1979. In 1982, he transitioned to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a patrol officer and later as a patrol officer trainer.

In 1988, McEachern returned to the Road Department, taking on the role of equipment operator. That same year, he also began what would become a 23-year streak as the department’s sole after-hours on-call responder—working in close collaboration with law enforcement and fire services during emergencies, a responsibility few in public works have ever assumed at that scale.

McEachern treasures the working relationships he has built over the years.

“We’ve got a good group of employees, and I really enjoyed working with them—seeing them grow and trying to push them to grow even more,” McEachern said.

When Fayette County transitioned from a volunteer to a full-time Fire Department in the early 1990s, McEachern remained with Public Works at the request of county leadership—even as many of his colleagues accepted first responder roles with early retirement benefits. His decision reflected not only his loyalty but also a deep belief in the critical importance of public works to community safety. He continued to volunteer as a firefighter and EMT until 2011.

In 2011, McEachern was promoted to Field Operations Supervisor, where he oversaw daily road maintenance operations and led a team of 46 full-time and seasonal employees. Under his leadership, the department managed everything from pipe installation and right-of-way mowing to grading, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs. His decades of field experience helped shape what many describe as a golden era of in-house road construction and maintenance for the county.

“I’m glad to be retiring, but this is my life, too. I’ve been here since I got out of high school. It’s happy, but it’s also sad. I spend more time with them than I do with my real family. It’s bittersweet,” McEachern said.

He offered advice to those considering a future career.

“Go into something that you really enjoy so you can stick with it. When I started, I started with a pick and a shovel. I don’t feel like anything was handed to me. I appreciate the County for the time they’ve given me, for working with me, and for the promotions I’ve been able to achieve.

I’ve always strived to do the best I could in whatever I was doing. No matter what I was sent to do, I did the best I could—do it right for the citizens and for the department.”

Beyond his county duties, McEachern also served in key leadership roles with the Georgia Utility Coordinating Council (GUCC), including multiple terms as Fayette County chair. In 2021, he received both the GUCC Chairman of the Year award and the Georgia 811 Damage Prevention Advocacy Award, honoring his commitment to safety and collaboration in utility coordination.

In recognition of his decades of service, the Fayette County Road Department nominated McEachern for the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). He received the award at the APWA Conference held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Steve Hoffman, Road Department Director said McEachern contributed to the quality of life of all citizens.

“Having an employee who has helped construct the County’s infrastructure from a population of 29,000 in 1980 to over 120,000 today has been a great resource for the daily maintenance provided by the Road Department for the Fayette County citizens. Eddie has been a model citizen who his fellow employees will greatly miss for his knowledge, leadership, and kind heart,” Hoffman said.

McEachern has dedicated his life to public service, demonstrating the essential role of public works in emergency response alongside law enforcement and fire services. Fayette County celebrates McEachern’s years of service with gratitude for a job well done.