Glennville City Council terminates fire chief after arrest, GBI investigation

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - On Thursday, January 29, the Glennville City Council voted to terminate Fire Chief Dale Barnard, effective immediately.

The decision follows Barnard’s arrest after the Glennville Police Department responded to a 911 call on January 27, 2026, from a minor who alleged that Barnard entered his home and molested him.

READ HERE: Glennville Fire Chief arrested by GBI on child molestation, trespassing charges

The Glennville Police Department and the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over the case.

According to the GBI, investigators recovered evidence from the home that supports the minor’s report.

Barnard was booked into the Tattnall County Jail, and officials say the investigation remains active and ongoing. Once complete, the case will be turned over to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Arrest records show Barnard is charged with two counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated child molestation, all felonies, and one count of criminal trespass, a misdemeanor.