Fannin County honors past Fire Chiefs
Community, Featured Stories May 16, 2021
Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Fire Department (FCFD) along with Fannin County EMA/EMS took time to recognize the past Fire Chiefs of Fannin County.
“It is an honor to be a part of this with you guys,” Fannin County Chairman Jamie Hensley was present to give his thanks: “The hard work and dedication that you all put into even forming this and keeping it going throughout the years, you paved the way for all of us to be here.”
Chairman Hensley expresses his thanks to the Fire Department both past and present.
Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson echoed Hensley’s sentiments, “You guys up there laid the foundation of what you see today. We do appreciate you all and what you built from the ground up. Your contributions are invaluable.”
Among those present to be recognized were Darrell Payne, Tony Petty, Jack Worthey, Larry Waters, Walter Taylor, and Robert Graham. Those that couldn’t be present for the event were Spencer Kitchens, Ryan McDaris and William Wright.
Current Fire Chief Larry Thomas thanked the previous fire chiefs, many of whom he had worked with, “I want to give my thanks to each and everyone of you all.”
Thomas spoke of how their work and dedication helped to bring the department to where it is today.
Each one of the former Fire Chiefs spoke and it quickly became apparent that while they were given the title to lead the department, none felt they alone could take credit for how far the department has come.
The speeches quickly gave way to stories. The camaraderie of those working in emergency services showed as it was evident to everyone in the room, whether past or present, after serving your community you are always family.
Walter Taylor, Fannin County’s first official Fire Chief shared how, with the help of others, the first fire truck in Fannin County was built. According to Taylor it was a 1957 Chevrolet 6 cylinder: “We put two 500 gallon tanks on it.”
Taylor also shared a personal experience where those presently working in public safety had been called in to aid him. He gave an emotional thank you to the ones who answered the call, crediting them with saving his life.
Larry Waters, former Fannin County Fire Chief, gave insight into being a Fire Chief before the department received funding for full-time staff, “While I was Fire Chief, I was working full time at Levis Strauss and Co. and during the daily activities Tony took over as assistant chief.”
Waters spoke of firefighters and emergency personal running concession stands, parking cars, and “whatever we could do to raise money” for equipment. He also spoke of the pride the department felt when their new used equipment would arrive.
Family and friends gather along with emergency personnel and continue to share stories and laughs after the recognition ceremony.
Former Fire Chief Tony Petty gave advice to those new to the field, “To be a fireman you’ve got to want to help people” and added that everyone involved is what makes a successful department: “You can be the best Chief in the world but if you ain’t got good people under you, you ain’t got nobody. I couldn’t never done it without you (all the volunteers).”
“I come in as a paid Chief,” Jack Worthey, former Fire Chief and 40 year veteran in the field, said of his reluctance to be honored with the others, adding that it is an “honor to come in and appreciate what these men have done.”
Standing with the others and looking around the crowded room Worthy noted that it is a “privilege to be a firefighter”.
There was a noticeable sense of pride in the room as emergency personnel listened to the stories shared from the previous Fire Chiefs. A humble sense of pride not only in the work that they face day to day but also a pride to be a small part of a larger team that helped write the history of Fannin County and continues to shape the future.
Former Fire Chief Worthey came to Fannin County, after having worked with the DeKalb County Fire Department for 30 years and had this to say of Fannin County, “This is the best volunteer fire department in the state of Georgia.”
Author
Habersham County Fire Chief Retiring After 27 Years Of Service
Community January 3, 2021
Fire Chief Jeff Cain will be retiring after 27 dedicated years of service to Habersham County. Chief Cain began his career as a Volunteer Station Chief in 1993, where later he became Assistant Chief and then appointer Fire Chief. Chief Cain helped guide the department from the first paid firefighters, to the 2018 merger of Fire and EMS. Habersham County, citizens and the department recognize the commitment, dedication and service he has given during his long career and wish him the best in the next chapter of life! Chief Cain’s last official day will be January 15th, 2021.
Fannin County honors past Fire Chiefs
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, Featured Stories May 16, 2021
Blue Ridge, Ga. – The Fannin County Fire Department (FCFD) along with Fannin County EMA/EMS took time to recognize the past Fire Chiefs of Fannin County.
“It is an honor to be a part of this with you guys,” Fannin County Chairman Jamie Hensley was present to give his thanks: “The hard work and dedication that you all put into even forming this and keeping it going throughout the years, you paved the way for all of us to be here.”
Chairman Hensley expresses his thanks to emergency personnel both past and present.
Fannin County Post 2 Commissioner Glenn Patterson echoed Hensley’s sentiments, “You guys up there laid the foundation of what you see today. We do appreciate you all and what you built from the ground up. Your contributions are invaluable.”
Among those present to be recognized were Darrell Payne, Tony Petty, Jack Worthey, Larry Waters, Walter Taylor, and Robert Graham. Those that couldn’t be present for the event were Spencer Kitchens, Ryan McDaris and William Wright.
Current Fire Chief Larry Thomas thanked the previous fire chiefs, many of whom he had worked with, “I want to give my thanks to each and everyone of you all.”
Thomas spoke of how their work and dedication helped to bring the department to where it is today.
Each one of the former Fire Chiefs spoke and it quickly became apparent that while they were given the title to lead the department, none felt they alone could take credit for how far the department has come.
The speeches quickly gave way to stories. The camaraderie of those working in emergency services showed as it was evident to everyone in the room, whether past or present, after serving your community you are always family.
Walter Taylor, Fannin County’s first official Fire Chief shared how, with the help of others, the first fire truck in Fannin County was built. According to Taylor it was a 1957 Chevrolet 6 cylinder: “We put two 500 gallon tanks on it.”
Taylor also shared a personal experience where those presently working in public safety had been called in to aid him. He gave an emotional thank you to the ones who answered the call, crediting them with saving his life.
Larry Waters, former Fannin County Fire Chief, gave insight into being a Fire Chief before the department received funding for full-time staff, “While I was Fire Chief, I was working full time at Levis Strauss and Co. and during the daily activities Tony took over as assistant chief.”
Family and friends, along with emergency personnel, continue to share laughs and stories after the recognition ceremony.
Waters spoke of firefighters and emergency personal running concession stands, parking cars, and “whatever we could do to raise money” for equipment. He also spoke of the pride the department felt when their new used equipment would arrive.
Former Fire Chief Tony Petty gave advice to those new to the field, “To be a fireman you’ve got to want to help people” and added that everyone involved is what makes a successful department: “You can be the best Chief in the world but if you ain’t got good people under you, you ain’t got nobody. I couldn’t never done it without you (all the volunteers).”
“I come in as a paid Chief,” Jack Worthey, former Fire Chief and 40 year veteran in the field, said of his reluctance to be honored with the others, adding that it is an “honor to come in and appreciate what these men have done.”
Standing with the others and looking around the crowded room Worthy noted that it is a “privilege to be a firefighter”.
There was a noticeable sense of pride in the room as emergency personnel listened to the stories shared from the previous Fire Chiefs. A humble sense of pride not only in the work that they face day to day but also a pride to be a small part of a larger team that helped write the history of Fannin County and continues to shape the future.
Former Fire Chief Worthey came to Fannin County, after having worked with the DeKalb County Fire Department for 30 years and had this to say of Fannin County, “This is the best volunteer fire department in the state of Georgia.”
Author
Up close and personal with Gilmer Fire and Rescue – Daniel Kauffman
Fetching Featured July 5, 2020
We are beginning a series of posts to become “up close and personal” with some of the finest men and women in the Fire Service – the personnel of Gilmer County Fire and Rescue. Today we’re proud to visit with our outstanding Fire Chief, Daniel Kauffman…
“My fire service career started soon after completing high school in Auburndale, Florida. I attended the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, Florida for my firefighter compliance, and the College of Central Florida Emergency Medical Technician program. I volunteered briefly with the South Marion Fire Department before gaining full time employment with Marion County Fire Rescue in 1988. Throughout that 30 year career I have served in the positions of firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, District Captain, Battalion Chief (Safety Officer), and Battalion Chief (Shift Commander). I was also active in Special Operations, serving as the Hazardous Material Response Team Commander. I had a front row seat to rapid growth and I was able to be an active part of positive progression from a BLS department to an ALS department and eventually ALS patient transport. The career of a firefighter is that of a life-long student, always perfecting their craft. Over the years I have found the positive affect of continuing education not only on my fire service career, but also in my daily life. The completion of an Environmental Science, Fire Science, and Human Resource Management degrees better prepared me for the position of Fire Chief with Gilmer County Fire Rescue. Likewise, I would support and encourage all of our employees to continue their education and professional development.
“When the position of Fire Chief became available in Gilmer County, we were pleasantly surprised. Gilmer County Fire Rescue was one of the few places that could have brought me out of my 9 month retirement. While I really did not plan to start a second career in the fire service, I really feel that God opened a door here for us in Gilmer County. Our family had been vacationing in Ellijay since 2005 and loved the area with all the activities it presented. My wife Stephanie and our blended family of three girls (London, Hannah, and Neve) would make many trips from Florida during school breaks to enjoy the outdoor activities. Now that we are full time residents of Gilmer County, we usually can be found spending our weekends hiking with our rescue dog, Piper, who came from Homeward Bound Pet Rescue. We have recently purchased an RV and plan to venture outside of Gilmer County to see what else the beautiful North Georgia mountains have to offer. Our fresh start here has been met with new friends and great coworkers. The opportunity to work and play in an area we love has been such a blessing and we look forward to what our future holds here in Gilmer County.”
(article and photos of Daniel Kauffman provided by the Gilmer County Public Safety)
Fire Chief Alexander honored on retirement
Fetching Featured May 3, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday, White County Fire Services ceremonially honored long time employees and promoted a senior employee to the rank of Chief. This week Chief Norman Alexander will retire after 15 years with White County as an employee. Chief Alexander served prior to his employment as a volunteer firefighter.
“It has been an honor to serve with Norman, a humble man with solid integrity, and professionalism. He is a good friend and I will certainly miss him being part of our team,” said David Murphy, Director of Public Safety.
Norman began his career in August of 2005 as the Assistant Fire Chief. He was promoted to Chief during the consolidation of Emergency Services in White
County.
Prior to his service in White, he retired from Hall County serving faithfully for many years. “Norman is a legend in the North Georgia Fire Service, I say that will all due respect. He is well known, has great connections, and highly respected. He serves his personnel, and leads with passion,” said Murphy.
Another long-term employee retiring is Firefighter/Admin Ana Newberry. Ana has served for seventeen years, under three Fire Chief’s. That tells you a lot about her abilities! “She is the glue that has held the department together,” states Murphy, “She certainly keeps us all in line, and makes sure we are following all requirements to keep our department in compliance and within standards.”
Ana has served in several capacities to include Public Information Officer, training, and safety officer. She has been recognized as well this week by career and volunteers throughout the county.
As the fire department continues to grow and move forward, with the foundations laid by Chief Alexander, and prior Chief’s, the selection of a new Chief was very important.
“Chief Alexander recommended to myself and the County Manager several months ago, Lt. Seth Weaver.” Says Murphy, “Seth has been with the
department since 2014 and has served in a variety of capacities. He was promoted to Assistant Chief several months ago to train directly with Chief Alexander. I’m excited about the future, and he certainly has the foundation to continue to build upon.”
Chief Weaver was ceremonially pinned as the new Chief at 2 p.m. Monday in the County EOC, with peers, family and elected officials in attendance while
maintaining our social distancing.
For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.