By JANET McGREGOR
jmac_snippet@hotmail.com

Fayette law enforcement and emergency workers got something that don't often get Monday night — recognition and appreciation.

American Legion, Post 105, in Fayetteville honored ten local police, fire and emergency service personnel, the second year the legion recognized outstanding public safety personnel.

In March, the veterans organization requested nominations from the various police, fire and emergency departments, asking for examples of “sustained outstanding performance or an individual act.”

Legion members, fellow officers, family members and officials from the county and the respective departments joined in thanking those chosen for the honor. County Commissioner and American Legion Sergeant at Arms Greg Dunn chaired the selection committee and officiated at the ceremony.

Sheriff Randall Johnson, acting Fire Chief Stony Lohr, Fire Chief Jack Krakeel, Fire Chief Alan Jones, Chief C.L. Butch Hall, Police Chief James Murray, Marshal Butch Hall and County Commission Chairman Harold Bost participated.

Police chiefs Johnny Roberts and Roger Spencer were unable to attend.

“The men and women we honor here tonight and those they represent are the single most important element which makes our quality of life the best in Georgia,” said Dunn. “People must first and foremost feel safe in their homes and on our streets. If something happens they need to know that well-trained, dedicated, caring and intelligent police and fire personnel will assist them through their crisis.”

Dunn marveled at the cooperation of police and fire personnel throughout the county “regardless of the fact that their elected officials may be in disagreement at times over issues.” He said, “They don't care about issues or political boundaries when people are in trouble. We thank God for each and every one of them and pray that they be safe as well.”

Fayette County firefighter Rick Ryckly was honored because he “has unselfishly donated thousands of hours through promoting fire safety,” said Chief Jack Krakeel. Ryckly created a fire safety program without any financial support “and of his own initiative” that is still being used by fire agencies today. According to Krakeel, “He is currently undertaking efforts again on his own time and free will to institute a national injury prevention program in all elementary schools.”

He is the cofounder and member of Fayette County Safe Kids and a member of Region 4 EMS for Children's Group. He has been in the public safety field for 14 years. He was previously recognized as the 1997 Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter of the Year and the 1994 State of Georgia Fire Safety Educator of the Year.

In Peachtree city, firefighter/paramedic Chris Campbell and firefighter/EMT Cery Fannin “combined efforts that saved an 11-year-old boy from death in a residential structure fire” in 1999, according to acting Fire Chief Stony R. Lohr.

Lohr was the 1999 recipient of the award from the American Legion.

In June of 1999 Campbell and Fannin both risked their lives to save the young boy. The child's family had managed to escape, but were unable to locate the youth. The pair of firefighters entered the burning, smoke-filled home and finally located the child upstairs under his bed.

The boy, barely conscious, struggled and ripped the air mask from the face of Campbell. According to Lohr, “With great focus and perseverance, Chris regained his composure, and replaced his mask.” They moved the child from the room, down the stairs and out of the house where he was revived by attending paramedics. The child “would not have survived for more than a couple of minutes if he had not been quickly located and removed from his place of hiding.”

Lohr noted, “Many others have achieved many outstanding accomplishments this year. But for firefighters, the saving of life from fire by personal action that places oneself at risk is the pinnacle.”

Campbell has been in the public safety field for eight years, Fannin for three years.

The city of Fayetteville Fire Department selected firefighter/EMT Kerry Cochran to be honored. Cochran joined the department in 1997 as a volunteer and was hired as a full-time employee in 1998.

According to Chief Alan Jones, “In the last two years, firefighter Cochran has demonstrated great enthusiasm and involvement in preparing the department to face the challenges of the future.”

Jones described Cochran as “a guy no one usually hears about but we can't do without.”

Patrol officer Deputy Wayne Hall was chosen by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department as the awardee. Hall has been with the Sheriff's Office for five years, and has served in the detention facility and with patrol services. He is a field training officer and a member of the Sheriff's Special Enforcement Team. Hall served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to entering law enforcement.

The Sheriff's Department also honored Lt. Jim Nations from the Technical Services Division (the jail).

Nations, a native of Fayette County, started his law enforcement career with the GBI in 1973. He was in the first group of agents under age 21 hired by the state of Georgia to work as contract narcotic agents.

He has worked for the Fayetteville Police Department as a patrolman, moving to the Sheriff's Department in 1980. “In the past couple of decades Lt. Nations has worked in nearly all of the divisions of the Sheriff's Department,” said Johnson. “When the courthouse was burned in 1983, Jim was the case agent. He was involved in the arrest and conviction of both suspects.”

He continued, “His is respected by everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. He is treasured by most of the officers he supervises.”

Nations was honored for the outstanding job he had performed as supervisor in the Fayette County Jail that has been severely overcrowded for several years.

Tyrone Police Department's sole detective was chosen to receive recognition for his outstanding service. Tyrone Chief of Police Roger Spencer said, “Detective David Mullis has served as Tyrone Police Department's only investigator for the past two years. Through his diligent efforts the number of cases cleared by arrest have increased dramatically.”

Mullis has been in public safety for nine years and has been with the Tyrone Police Department for four years. He “produced arrests on three child molestation cases, several fraud cases, thefts and burglaries. All of this has been completed solely by hard work.” Mullis also serves as firearms instructor and armorer for the department.

Detective Beverly Trainor was chosen as the honoree by the Fayetteville Police Department. Major Harold Simmons said, “Detective Trainor is committed to her work and the city of Fayetteville. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the past year.”

He continued, “She is a true professional and a big asset to the Fayetteville Police Department and the citizen of Fayetteville.”

Trainor is currently assigned as the accreditation manager, which is “a very difficult and time-consuming job,” said Dunn. She has been in the public safety field for five years and has been with the Fayetteville Police Department for two years.

The Fayette County Marshal's Department honored Marshal Terry Black. Black was the 1997 Deputy Marshal of the Year and received the 1999 William H. Spurgeon award for his contributions to the Exploring Program within the Flint River Council. He is post advisor for Law Enforcement Explorer Post 273, a cub master for Cub Scout Pack 58, a Georgia hunter and safety education and boating safety instructor, CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and regional director for Region 4 - Georgia Hunter Education Association.

According to Chief C.L. “Butch” Hall, “Terry Black projects a positive image for Fayette County, Fayette County Marshal's office and to the law enforcement profession.”

The Peachtree City Police Department chose Major Mike Dupree to receive the legion award. Dupree has been in the public safety field for 20 years and has served with the Peachtree City Police Department for 15 years. He is a 1993 graduate of the FBI Academy and was the city of Peachtree City Employee of the Year in 1992 and the Fayette County Police Officer of the Year in 1986. Dupree was the accreditation manager in 1992 when the department was awarded international accreditation, and was project manager for reaccreditation in 1997 and 2000.

“He is a role model for all police officers,” said Chief James Murray.

The American Legion plans to continue to honor public safety personnel annually. The awards were initiated at the urging of legion post commander Dale Barnett. The American Legion membership is open to veterans who served during wartime. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. each second Monday at the American Legion Log Cabin in Fayetteville. For information phone Dale Barnett at 770-719-4743.