A number of career and volunteer members at Georgetown County Fire-EMS were recently honored for their hard work and dedication. The department hosted its annual awards and recognition ceremony on Nov. 14.
Award Winners are as follows:
• The Meritorious Service Award is presented annually to department members who go above and beyond normal operations or duties to benefit the department, department members, or the community. The award was presented this year to Volunteer Firefighters Danny Mills and Gary Smalls, as well as Firefighter/EMT Jerry McCommack and Lt. Dale Hewitt.
• Jerry McCommack was also named Firefighter/EMT of the Year.
• Lt. Brad Benjamin was named Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year.
• Lt. William Shulzaberger was named Career Officer of the Year.
• Volunteer of the Year is Volunteer Firefighter Charles Linen.
• Several department members were awarded the Phoenix Award, which is given to department members who successfully resuscitate a patient from cardiac arrest or major life threatening trauma in which the patient survives to hospital discharge. Phoenix Award Winners are Firefighter/Paramedic Ashley Baker, Master Firefighter Tyler Baker, Firefighter/EMT Jamie Barnes, Paramedic Kim Blake, Firefighter/Paramedic Christina Carciah, Master Firefighter Andrew Dougan, Chief Jim Falkenhagen, Firefighter/Paramedic Colby Gerrald, Firefighter/EMT Cody Hamilton, Lt. Dale Hewitt, Lt. Matt Howell, Firefighter/EMT Tosha Plass, Lt./Paramedic Steve Richards, Lt. David Scoggins, Lt. William Shultzaberger and Firefighter/EMT Austin Vazquez. Ashley Baker, Dougan and Hamilton all received two Phoenix Awards.
• Several members were recognized with the Community Service Award. This award is presented to all members who participate in a community event or project that benefits the community in a positive way and brings honor to Georgetown County Fire-EMS. Presented with the award were Lt. Derriel Baxley, Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Coker, EMT Jackson Mann, Firefighter/EMT Daniel Beil, Firefighter Henry Barnes and Chief Jim Falkenhagen.