Habersham County Emergency Services recently swore in and honored personnel with the department as they reflected on their statistics from 2023 and looked ahead to 2024.
HEMS personnel handled approximately 3,567 fire responses and 9,918 emergency medical services responses from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, according to spokesman Rob Moore.
Emergency services also conducted 6,177 transports, while Community Paramedicine performed 1,453 home visits.
Responders reportedly participated in nearly 20,000 hours of training spread across company, driver, officer, facilities and EMS training.
Capt. Sterling Strickland and Capt. Brandon Whitney were sworn in by the Director and Chief Jeff Adams earlier in December. Lieutenants Josh Garrett, Mark Gerrin, Brian Mills, Josh Eaton, Brad Davidson, Jeff Parker and Randi Seabolt also received their oaths of office, according for Moore.
Nearly four dozen firefighters were also sworn in, as new firefighters Travis Damroze, John Hollis, Aiden Stickle and Albert Villataro were recognized by Training Capt. Matt Ruark.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Royce Eller, who has been serving Habersham County since 1975; Teresa Kimsey, who has been serving the county since 1988; and Jimmy Yon, who previously served as Tallulah Falls Fire Chief, Tallulah Falls Fire Coordinator and has served HCES for many years, according to Moore.
Stroke care recognitions were provided to Michael Alexander, Keith Borton (two instances), Jeff Brown (two instances), Hadyn Casey, Jessica Chambers, Charlie Davis, Josh Eaton, Brice Gerrin (three instances), Cassie Grammel, Kadyn Harper, Isaac Koshiol, Story Lawrence Jackson, Shawn McClure, Jacob Palmer, Mack Palmer, Jeff Parker, Jody Poole, Bill Ramsey (three instances), Bridget Rigby (two instances), Anthony Seabolt, Randi Seabolt (two instances), Brian Sheridan (two instances), Jarad Stove (two instances), Angel Ulin, Alfredo Vega, Albert Villatoro, Blake Waycaster (two instances), Jason West and Dakota Williamson (two instances).
Training Lt. Ronnie Davis delivered ST-elevation myocardial infarction heart attack care recognitions to Matthew Boggs, Hadyn Casey, Royce Eller, Brice Gerrin, Kadyn Harper, Phillip Kimbrell, Cameron Lucas, Joel Norton (two instances), Bill Ramsey, Presten Reiser, Bridget Rigby, Angie Turk, Alfredo Vega and Albert Villatoro.
The Stork Award was presented to Gus Galloway and Joel Norton, who were on separate ambulances involving the care of a mother and baby, Moore said.
Service Pins were presented recognizing one year to 30 years of service as well.
Jared Gaboriault was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. Brandon Fields was named Firefighter of the Year. Jody Poole was recognized as Medic of the Year.
Educator Recognitions were presented to Jessica Chambers, Charlie Davis and Bryan Nix.
The Top Rung Award went to an individual in each recruiting class who excels and sets themselves apart by professionalism, effort and ability in the class. Jennifer Baugus, John Hollis, and Dalton Williamson received plaques commemorating the award.
Career Employee of the Year was given to Royce Eller.
Habersham personnel are now awaiting the arrival of a new ambulance and the first of two new fire trucks to replace aging units, according to Moore.
