State Sen. John Albers, a Roswell Republican and fourth-generation firefighter, was named the Georgia State Firefighters Association's 2026 Legislator of the Year on Monday, July 13.

The GSFA cited Albers' work championing NextGen 911 legislation, improving firefighter retirement benefits, and pushing measures to address signal jammers and the malicious use of artificial intelligence. Albers chairs the Senate Committee on Public Safety and represents the 56th Senate District, which covers portions of Fulton, Cobb, and Cherokee counties.

"As a fourth-generation firefighter, this award carries special meaning for me," Albers said in a statement released with the announcement. "Serving others has been a part of my family's story for generations, and I have always believed we owe our firefighters the same unwavering commitment they show our state every day."

GSFA President Chief Mike Byrd praised Albers for what he called a deep understanding of firefighter issues, saying the senator's leadership has made "a lasting impact on communities throughout Georgia."

Key bills Albers advanced

NextGen 911, one of the initiatives the GSFA highlighted, is moving toward a statewide vote. Georgia's Senate voted unanimously in March 2026 to place House Resolution 1243 on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would dedicate the existing $1.50-per-month 911 fee to a statewide fund for upgrading emergency communications to support voice, text, and data contact with dispatchers.

Albers also shepherded House Bill 1086 through his committee in March 2026. Named the "Preston Fant and Brant Chesney Firefighter Safety Act" after two Georgia firefighters who died responding to structure fires involving lightweight truss-type roof construction, the bill requires buildings with that construction type to post exterior notices so crews can adjust their approach before entering.

"While it may seem like a small change, it will make a life-saving difference for firefighters across our state," Albers wrote in his March 13 legislative newsletter about the bill.

Local context

Albers represents the district that includes Roswell, whose fire department operated seven stations with more than 150 personnel and a $17 million budget as of September 2025, the most recent figures available from city records. Measures like NextGen 911 and the truss-construction notification bill would apply statewide, including to Roswell crews responding to more than 10,000 calls per year.

Albers' office can be reached at (404) 463-8055 or [email protected].