Georgia Chief on Leave as County Investigates Hiring

A Georgia fire chief has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the hiring of a firefighter who was facing felony theft charges in Alabama. Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette is on leave from the Douglas County Fire/EMS as the county looks into the hiring of Daymetrie Williams.

Williams was arrested in Hunstville, Alabama in 2019 and facing felony theft charges. He was hired in Douglas County, Georgia in 2021. In 2022, the department became aware of the charges. In his brief tenure with Douglas County, Williams was disciplined for an “altercation with an employee” and “unwanted leering.” He has been on paid leave since November, 2022.