GAINESVILLE - A Hall County Fire Services employee was named Georgia's Firefighter of the Year recently at the annual Joint Fire Services Conference in Albany.
John Murray, a firefighter/paramedic, was nominated for the award by his peers from both Hall and Rabun counties.
Murray is one the department's field training officers, a position that gives him the opportunity to mentor and tutor Hall County's newest paramedics.
In addition to serving as a field training officer with Hall County Fire Services, Murray also serves as chief of the Lakemont/Wiley Fire Department in Rabun County, where he participates in the community's Foxfire program, the Lake Rabun Association and acts as a liaison to various civic groups within his community.
"John is an exemplary leader with a humble attitude," said Bonnie Flick of Lakemont/Wiley Fire Department. "He is an advocate of service to one's community, and he encourages all firefighters to realize their goals."
Murray is also the recent recipient of the Public Safety Officer of the Year award from the Gainesville Elks Lodge. This designation has made him a contender in the State of Georgia Public Safety Officer of the Year competition.
Murray's co-workers state that he "is a true ambassador to the profession, a model firefighter and is passionate about serving his family, his community, and Hall County." They say he is always willing to go the extra mile as he works "double duty" to improve services to the residents of both Hall and Rabun counties.
Monday
June 30th, 2025
3:31AM
