Meet Zachary Brackett! Zachary works with the Hall County Fire Department as the Professional Standards Officer and serves as the Public Information Officer. Zach has been a firefighter for 19 years and spent 16 years in operations out in the field and now works in administration.
“I knew I wanted to be a firefighter when I was 13 years old, I always had a thing for being in the public services,” he said.
Zach graduated from North Hall High School in 1998 and graduated from the Paramedic Program at Lanier Technical College in 2005.
Zachary has been married for 16 years to his wife Sonja and the couple has three daughters; the oldest Jordan is 14 and  twins Kelsey and Kinsley are two an a half years old. Zachary and his wife were not expecting the identical twin girls, which was quite a shock for them!
“We had no idea at the time of all the difficulties it would bring but they are such a blessing and we are excited to see them grow and what they become,” he said.
We want to thank Zachary for meeting with us and being a part of the Faces of Hall County project!
Question: What inspired you or led to your current career?
Answer: “I had friends who dads were firefighter and I thought it was so cool and I was always wanted to be in the public services.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County an d what do you love there?
A: “2 Dog is my favorite restaurant because of the variety of the food throughout the year, I’m partial to the peanut butter pie desert.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I was born here and have worked for the Hall County Fire Services for 19 years in July.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County and why?
A: “I met Paul Newman at Road Atlanta years ago. He was extremely gracious and kind.”
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: “Large family gatherings for holidays and getting to see everyone who didn’t get to visit with regularly.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “The United Kingdom. I love history and would like to be able to see some of the places where my ancestors lived.”
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in the theater?
A: “’The Karate Kid.’”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Follow your passion, whatever it is. Everyone isn’t meant to be a doctor or lawyer and you should be able to wake up every morning, enjoy the life that you have been given and share with others.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “A trip to Alaska. I like seeing new things and meeting people. I’m intrigued by the lifestyle that is necessary in such an inhospital environment.”
Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd (pre 1977).”
Q: What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County and why?
A: “The Inn Between Deli. It still smells the same and tastes the same, even after a change in ownership.”
Q: Choosing anyone (past or present and a non-relative), with whom would you love to have lunch with? And where locally would you have this lunch?
A: “I would have lunch with Abraham Lincoln at the Collegiate. We share the same birthday and I find it amazing how he made so many impacts to our country that are still being felt today.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “My favorite thing about Hall County is the ability to grow while maintaining that feeling of community that I have always enjoyed. It’s difficult to go anywhere without seeing someone you know and that is priceless.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “I plan to continue to serve the citizens and visitors of Hall County throughout that period of time at the Hall County Fire Services and enjoy my children growing up.”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I sneeze quite loudly but can’t help it. My mother fusses at me every time I do. Spring is not my favorite season for this reason.”
Q: What three words mean “Home” to you?
A: “Family, love and comfort.”
Interview by Abernathy Cochran Real Estate Group intern: Tricia Cumiskey
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.