The city of Covington announced the hiring of Stoney Bowles as Fire Chief Monday.

Bowles, who was a Battalion Chief with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, will begin his duties in Covington on March 2.

We are extremely pleased to welcome Chief Bowles to our City,” Covington City Manager Leigh Ann Knight said. “His wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment to public safety will be a valuable asset to the city and I look forward to working with him.”

Bowls has advanced form a firefighter to a Battalion Chief with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services through three years of service. Covington’s new fire chief has achieved numerous certifications including Hazmat, leadership, Safety Officer and is a Smoke Diver.

“I want to create a team environment between the firefighters we have on staff and the citizens of Covington and work to provide an excellent level of protection,” Bowles said. “I am grateful for this opportunity and am excited about becoming a part of the Covington community.”

Bowles holds an associate degree in fire science, a Bachelor of Science in organizational management leadership and he is currently earning a Master’s Degree I organizational leadership.

He has two children, Derrick, 30 and Danielle, 27 and enjoys sports.

Bowles also was voted Region 6 assistant basketball coach of the year in 2011-12 and 2013-14 for his work with the Allatoona basketball team.