A Gilmer County fire station has been dedicated to a fallen first responder.
The Tails Creek fire station on Highway 282 was dedicated to Eric Maddox, who passed away suddenly last year not long after a shift. Station 14 was where Maddox was assigned.
The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners approved the dedication at their most recent meeting.
“They unanimously voted for it and we are very grateful for that,” said Jason Bryant, deputy fire chief.
Maddox’s best friend and coworker, Lt. Chris Harrell, said Maddox was a much-loved member of the Gilmer Fire ranks, which led to the dedication being requested.
“He was one of those people who was always smiling and always happy. If somebody wasn’t, he’d make it that way for them. He just had that personality,” said Harrell.
Bryant said the station will officially be renamed the Eric Maddox Station, and a commemorative plaque will also go up at a future date.
Harrell said a fire engine at station 14 has also been dedicated to Maddox, whose energetic personality brought him the nickname “Tigger.”
“The fire engine has a really nice decal and plaque. We’ve also got his turnout gear on the wall,” Harrell said.