Tifton City Council approves Bobby “Roho” Bennett as Permanent City Manager, promotes Assistant Fire Chief Kiefer Daughtry to Tifton Fire Department’s new Fire Chief
TIFTON, Ga. – The City of Tifton is pleased to announce Bobby “Roho” Bennett as City Manager upon City Council’s formal approving vote at the Thursday, February 12th, 2026, special-called meeting.
Bennett was sworn in as City Manager on the day after his anniversary of 30 years of dedicated service with the Tifton Fire Department (TFD).
Bennett became Tifton Fire Chief in May 2017 after serving for 21 years through the ranks of firefighter, engineer, lieutenant and captain for TFD.
Bennett is a native to Tifton and graduated from Tift County High School before entering into extensive study at the Georgia Fire Academy. Before becoming Fire Chief, Bennett also served as the Grounds and Athletic Facilities Director for the Tift County School System for 16 years while also working with TFD.
As Chief, Bennett led the Fire Department with compassion and a “Be the Best” attitude. Under Bennett’s leadership, the Tifton Fire Department achieved new heights. In 2022, Tifton’s ISO rating improved from Class 3 to Class 2, which indicates exceptional fire protection capabilities – placing TFD in the top tier of fire departments nationwide.
Through his impacts, Bennett has become a respected leader within the community and has served as strong support for the City by providing input and direction in times of need.
Bennett has proven expertise in positive leadership, commitment to integrity, unwavering fidelity of service to the Tifton community, proven strength through challenges, aptitude to solve complex issues that affect our City’s residents, and a deep love and understanding for the people of Tifton.
Bennett’s promotion has led to the advancement of Assistant Fire Chief Kiefer Daughtry to Tifton Fire Department’s new Fire Chief.
Daughtry has 15 years of leadership experience and allegiance to service with the Tifton Fire Department and is dedicated to helping and protecting our citizens.
Daughtry brings knowledge from earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University, possessing an Associate of Science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Southern Regional Technical College. Daughtry is currently in the process of earning a Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences from the University of Florida.
Daughtry was recognized in 2019’s edition of “Tifton Scene” by the Tifton Gazette, as one of Tifton’s “Top 10 Under 40.”
The City of Tifton is proud to promote from within and to have such capable and committed leaders serving our citizens and lighting the path to our future.
During this transition, the City has been blessed with competent and experienced Department Heads that have continued to ensure all City services have been provided without lapses to the citizens and businesses of Tifton.
The City of Tifton’s vision is to continuously grow a safe and thriving community by providing progressive city services delivered with integrity and friendliness. The City’s mission is to strive to exceed the expectations of our community, our employees, and our friends. To learn more about the City of Tifton, please visit Tifton.net.
Copyright 2026 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
