Bad Links?
Other glitches?
Notify Webmaster

Nominations sought for governor’s public safety awards program

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Professional organizations and state agencies are encouraged to submit nominations for the seventh annual Governor’s Public Safety Awards program.

The awards honor public safety professionals for their acts of heroism or outstanding contributions to their professions. The awards will be presented this fall in a special ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.

There are two categories for the award. The “Act of Heroism” division honors those who performed an exceptional deed that resulted in saving lives and/or protecting property.

The “Outstanding Contribution to Profession” division honors job performance that had an overwhelming positive affect on the overall profession.

Last year, one of Fayette County’s emergency workers was honored with one of the 17 awards given.

Deputy Chief Allen McCullough of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services was honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Profession” award for his work in the emergency medical services field. McCullough played a key role in crucial advances in the local system.

The awards can honor those from emergency management agencies, emergency medical services, 911 communications, fire departments, police departments, sheriff’s offices, local correctional facilities, prosecuting/district attorneys and state agencies with public safety responsibilities.

Bill Hitchens, the chairman of the Governor’s Public Safety Awards committee, noted that first responders have been appreciated more since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“We appreciate the diligence of our first responder community who protect and serve day in and day out,” Hitchens said. “These awards give us a chance to showcase those individuals who made exemplary contributions to their professions or who have performed a heroic act which ultimately saved someone’s life or property.”

Nomination forms should be submitted through the appropriate professional organization or state agency. Forms and criteria are available at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s web site at www.gema.state.ga.us.