Rockdale County’s fire department is undergoing a leadership shake-up following the resignation of Fire Chief Marian McDaniel. County officials confirmed Tuesday that McDaniel stepped down last Thursday, prompting the appointment of Deputy Chief of Operations James Robinson as interim chief.

The reason behind McDaniel’s departure remains unclear, but county officials insist it is unrelated to the BioLab fire last September, which left a hazardous chemical plume lingering over metro Atlanta. The partial reopening of the facility has sparked frustration among activists, who have criticized local leaders for not shutting it down completely.

McDaniel made history when she became fire chief in December 2020, becoming the first woman and Black person to lead Rockdale County Fire Rescue. As the county searches for a permanent replacement, officials reassure residents that emergency services remain a top priority.