Chief Ben Stephens started his career with West Jackson Fire in 2002 after moving to Hoschton from Atlanta. Starting out as a volunteer firefighter, he completed EMT training in 2003 and was eventually hired full-time with the Department in 2005. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and continues serving as a member of the Albert Gordon American Legion Post in Jefferson, GA. He is married to April with four children (Aubrey, Abbott, Ava, and Andrew) and enjoys history, visiting lighthouses, road trips with no particular destination in mind, and working on old Studebakers.

Chief Stephens maintains certifications in Fire/EMS along with being an adjunct instructor with the Georgia Fire Academy. In community preparedness, he has completed several FEMA Special Events courses through Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) through the National Tactical Officers Association, Gold Badge Analysis for Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Program Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association, is an Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Instructor, and locally collaborates with public safety agencies on Active Threat/Mass Casualty Incident drills, trainings, planning, and response. He is also active in the Braselton Police Department/West Jackson Fire District Special Response Team as a TEMS member.

His personal awards/badges include:

Tactical Medic Badge - 2024

Advanced ERT Badge - 2023

Medal for Valor – 2021

Medal for Bravery – 2006

Civic Recognition Medal – 2007

Longevity Award (4th Award) - 2022