The Fannin County Fire Department honored some of its finest EMS staff during its annual Christmas dinner December 11 at the University of North Georgia David E. Ralston Hall in Blue Ridge.
Fannin Fire and Rescue Chief and EMA Deputy Director Larry Thomas and Deputy Chief Rob Ross presented awards to those firefighters and paramedics who give it all everyday to help the citizens of Fannin County.
“We’ve got the volunteers as a title and we’ve got the EMS as a title. It all falls under the Fannin County Fire Department. We are blessed to have it that way in reference to having the crowd we got. I am so proud of you guys,” Thomas said.
Justin Turner was named Officer Of The Year. Turner has been a dedicated part of the department for years and travels across the county every day. He plays two roles, Thomas said. “Not only a firefighter and a rescue, but he also works for the Fannin County Sheriffs Department as a lead detective.”
Earl Maddox was named Rookie of the Year. “He’s really helped this last rookie class out,” Thomas said.
Harry Patel received the Stanley Henson Volunteer Of The Year award.
Representative Everett Womack of the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, presented Fannin County Firefighter Mason Cruse with Firefighter Of The Year award and Victor Wagnon with the Paramedic Of The Year award in recognition of their outstanding service to the department and the Fannin County community.
Womack read, “Mason is constantly willing to learn and improve himself to be a greater service to the community. He strives for excellence in all aspects of his career in public service and to be a man of utmost integrity.”
Womack read Wagnon too epitomizes hard work “by being the first on call by ensuring the appearance of the station and apparatus are as spotless as possible.” Both men weren’t present for the presentation because they left the dinner to run an emergency call.
Jason Turner and Bill Marsh are retiring and were recognized at the dinner. Both made comments.
Turner read a passage from the book of Joshua in the Bible where it says ”be courageous and not be dismayed because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Turner said being a fireman is 90 percent fitness and 10 percent common sense and it’s important to remember that “the fireman works for the citizens and the people passing through and it is our job to be as strong as we can and help them on the their weakest day.” He also said it’s important to always do what is best for the citizen.
Marsh said he started working with fire departments in 1958 in Miami and continued when he moved to Blue Ridge over 20 years ago. “I’ve always loved the fire department. It’s something that has been in my blood.” Thomas echoed that by saying “Once you get it in your blood, it’s there.”
The late Bret Smith was honored for his service to the department. His widow Lynne Smith spoke about the couple, upon moving to Fannin County, getting involved in the fundraiser for station 14. Bret was actively involved in setting up a backup communications network for the department through amateur radio equipment.
Thomas paid tribute to Ralston because in 2006, he was instrumental in the department getting its first used ladder truck. Thomas was happy to say that with support of the Fannin County Board of Commissioners, the department is getting its first new ladder truck. “If it wasn’t for the beginning, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
During his comments, Thomas thanked God for giving him the job. “I have never been more blessed by getting out there and doing what my heart leads me to do, and that is helping the people in need.”