Wheeler Chamber Honors First Responders
The Wheeler County Chamber of Commerce honored the community’s first responders during the Chamber’s annual meeting on November 9.
A capacity crowd filled the Community Center in Alamo as members of law enforcement, the 911 Center, emergency medical services and the fire service were recognized for their valuable contributions to Wheeler County. Congressman Rick Allen, State Sen. Blake Tillery, and State Rep. Robert Pruitt, who were unable to attend the event, sent letters of appreciation to the first responders that were read during the event. Phillip Edge, representing the Chamber, also added his praise for those who put their lives on the line for the community every time they work a shift or answer a call as a volunteer. “Year round, first responders brave challenges so the rest of us may stay safe. In honor of their hard work and dedication, we honor and celebrate these heroes for selflessly protecting and serving our community,” said Edge, who also acknowledged others who support those on the front lines day in and day out. He also asked for a moment of silence in memory of Alamo Policeman Dylan Harrison, who lost his life October 9 while working his first shift as a member of the department. The honorees were asked to stand to be recognized and a glance through the event program revealed that many of those being honored serve the community in multiple capacities.
Among those honored were:
Wheeler County Emergency Management
Director Steve Adams.
911 Center Director Stephanie Rothwell and her staff, Ashley Yawn, Autumn Martin, Clenita McRae, Denise Freeman, Gladaya Hamilton, Kaylyn Curtis, Mahalie Dykes and Tonia Fussell.
Alamo Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian O’Quinn and Firefighters Austin Brown, Collin Stinson, Dalton Grimes, Hunter Horne, Justin Woods, Lee Conner, Roy Hood, Ryan Dixon, Sarah Rewis, Scott Chaney, Thomas Mathew Wells, and Tyler Brown.
Alamo Police Chief Karen W. Zanders and Officers, Bobby Solomon, Brandon M. Merritt, Dylan Warren, Edward J. Bess, Jesse D. Williams, John W. DeGolyer, John W. Merritt, Marquis K. Clark, Marquis K. Sandifer, Richie C. Floyd, and Ryan M. Dixon.
Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Shane Bradshaw, and Firefighters Aaron Bowen, Abbigail Burkhalter, Amber Wommack, Hannah Bowen, Jeffrey Peacock, Jodi Horne, Nathan Burkhalter, Rodney Horne, and Tyler Burkhalter.
Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Nathan Burkhalter, and Firefighters Abbigail Danielle Burkhalter, Amber Michelle Wommack, Jeffrey Wade Peacock, Jr., Justin Lamar Williams, Michael Lawrence Ramirez, Terry Wayne Fountain, Jr., Tyler Nathan Burkhalter, William Corey Adams.
Georgia Forestry,
Wheeler County Unit Rangers T.J. Fountain, Tim Hartley and Richard Bellflower Georgia State Patrol, (McRae Post), Captain Chris Laceinski, Post Commander SFC Eric Wilkes, Sgt. Phillip Kilgore, Cpl. Clint Brantley, S/ Tpr Terry Aldridge, Tfc Camron Spell, Tfc Marina Thrift, Tpr Jamie Allen, SFC Brian Screws, and P/ Sec Donna Rogers.
Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) Officers Jerry Maybin, Tom Kelly, Matt Morris and Brandon Lumley.
Spring Hill Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Steve Adams, Firefighters Alex Hampton, Alicia Edge, Craig Adams, David Clark, Jerry Edge, Kaleb Adams, Landon Adams, Marie Hampton, Mark Adams, Michael Adams, and Ronald Graham.
Stuckey Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bobby Johnson, and Firefighters Alisa Dee, Brittany Haymons, Christopher Haymons, Crystal Johnson, Dana Barber, Heather Connell, Jake Griffin, Lindsey Johnson, Robert Dee and Vanessa Connell.
Wheeler County EMS Director Selena Howell, EMTs/Paramedics Bryan Vickery, Chris Pickle, J.K. Perry, James Griffin, Keith Dye, Lee Conner, Peyton Lightsey and Seth Smith.
Wheeler County Sheriff ’s Office, Sheriff Randy Rigdon, Deputies/ Staff Ben Atkins, Brian O’Quinn, Gian Mancini, Lee Smith, Lillie Bellflower, Marquis Clark, Michael MacLean, Richie Floyd, Sonya Flournoy, and Ted Ruggenberg.
