Paulding County Presents Service Awards To Firefighters

From Paulding County Board of Commissioners: Today the Paulding County Board of Commissioners presented three Firefighters with Service Awards following their deployment to help South Georgia tornado victims.

Firefighters Chris Bebout, Rob Eaves and Brandon Maple are part of the elite multi-agency Georgia Search and Rescue team (GSAR-6). They were deployed to Albany in late January following the devastating tornado outbreak which killed 12 people and injured hundreds of others. GSAR-6 was tasked with numerous search & rescue efforts, including a 200-unit mobile home complex which was almost completely destroyed.

According to Chief Joey Pelfrey, “The GSAR program was originally formed by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency following terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. GSAR task forces are strategically positioned throughout the state and are poised to respond to major disasters. Each task force is equipped with advanced gear, and highly trained, personnel who work full-time for local fire departments and other public safety agencies. If a federal disaster is declared we are reimbursed by FEMA for the cost of sending our personnel and equipment.”

“Paulding County Fire & Rescue is very happy to have three of our Firefighters who are part of this elite group. We hope to never have a disaster in our County needing GSAR assistance, but we know they will be available if we ever need their help.”

Images Courtesy Of Paulding County