Jones County celebrated its Fire Rescue volunteers with an appreciation dinner that included 320 years’ worth of service awards and department promotions.
The July 23 event was once again held in the auditorium of Bradley Baptist Church, and it was catered by Gay’s Food out of Moultrie.
Emergency Management Director and Jones County Fire Chief Don Graham welcomed Jones County’s first responder volunteers, and Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Weidner opened the event with a prayer that also served as a blessing for the meal.
In addition to Weidner, Commissioners Sam Kitchens and John Wood were in attendance as was County Administrator Jason Rizner. Graham thanked the commissioners for their continued support.
“The county has always given us the tools we need to do our job,” the chief said.
Graham said the service awards being distributed amounted to 320 years of service to the county among 16 firefighters.
“You are the heroes,” he said.
10-year service awards were presented to Daniel Fullmore, Brandon Griswell, Robbie Herndon, Tammy Herndon and Robby Kern.
15-year awards were presented to Wayne Grier James W. Jenkins, Brad Barreth, Daniel Jones and Rachel Shipley.
25-year service awards were presented to Bobby Johnson and Gary Harrell.
30-year service awards were presented to Kimberly Coleman and Lawrence (Buddy) Mayne.
Glenn McMichael was presented with a 40-year service award, and Jimmy Crutchfield received an award for 45 years of service.
In addition to the service awards, Graham announced two promotions. John Gallagher of Station 1 was promoted to Sergeant, and Jason McMichael was named captain of Station 3.
McMichael was presented the chief’s helmet by his father Glenn, who has served as captain for almost 20 years.
At the conclusion of the awards, numerous door prices that were donated for the appreciation dinner were distributed by Jones County’s Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Coleman.
Sgt. Steve Hall of Station 4 spoke about the first responders march up Stone Mountain in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. He said 11 members from Jones County Fire Rescue joined that effort.
He said he would join the march again this year and invited any interested members to let him know if they wanted to come.
Weidner closed the event with a word of appreciation to the volunteers.
“On behalf of the board and the community, we are very blessed to have you all,” he said.
His two-year old granddaughter added her appreciation.
“Thank you for fighting fires,” Addison said.
Thank you to donors to the event
Jones County Board of Commissioners
Ace Hardware of Gray
Bradley Baptist Church
Jacks of Gray
Old Clinton Gas
Josh Weber
Magnolia State Bank
O’Reilly’s of Gray Ingles
Creation Nails and Spa
Cody Spires Ma’s Bakery
Gray Tire
Exchange Bank
Tractor Supply
Scott Walston – Gray Memorial Chapel
Teresa Parker – Vitco Fire & Safety
Morris Bank
Tri County EMC/TriCo-Go
Zaxby’s of Gray
Cracker Barrell
Longhorn
Georgia Bob’s
Texas Road House Chili’s
M Vince Nail Spa
Farmers Furniture
