Safe Kids Gainesville-Hall Co. holds annual awards banquet

GAINESVILLE - Safe Kids Gainesville-Hall County, which is led by Northeast
Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), celebrated its accomplishments of the past year at its annual awards banquet held Tuesday at Riverbend Baptist Church.

Awards were presented during the banquet including Community Agency of the Year, which was given to the Hall County Sheriff's Department. Tasha Wright, a teacher at First Presbyterian Church Child Care Center, was named Teacher of the Year. Lt. David Stringer, Gainesville Fire Department and Officer Griggs Wall, Gainesville Police Department, both received the Tim Peebles Volunteer of the Year award.

Captain Scott Cagle, Hall County Fire Services welcomed guests and recapped the events of the past year.

"In the last year, Safe Kids members provided an impressive 315 programs and events in the community, reaching an estimated 51,450 children, family members, teachers and caregivers," he said.

Cagle also reported that more than 3,100 safety devices such as bike helmets, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, child safety seats and life jackets were distributed during those programs.

Daniel Orzechowski, Senior Manager, U.S. Coalition Network, was the keynote speaker. Orzechowski congratulated Safe Kids Gainesville-Hall County for 20 years of preventing childhood injuries.

"It is through the work of local coalitions like yours that countless lives have been saved," said Orzechowski. "Thank you for raising awareness and giving your time to impact the lives of others."

Safe Kids also recognized businesses and organizations that have supported the Coalition's child injury prevention efforts during the past year. These include: