A Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) chapter that covers Gilmer County presented year-end awards to two local firefighter/EMTs before 2020 ended.
Sid Turner, vice president of the Blue Ridge Mountains SAR, said the group annually recognizes local first responders in Gilmer, Fannin, Union and Towns counties.
“We usually give out 12 awards a year to recognize police, fire and EMS. The agencies pick their own candidates for the awards and we just like to honor the first responders,” said Turner.
For Gilmer County Public Safety, Michael Dockery received the chapter’s Firefighter of the Year Award and Les Eisenhart was recognized as EMS Employee of the Year.
“They are both assets to the department,” said Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman. Both men are certified firefighter/EMTs, he added.
“Michael started in 2018 and he went through our recruit program to get his firefighter certification. He was able to do his firefighter training onsite. He’s kind of a quiet guy, but always working behind the scenes, always doing something and progressing. This year, he was able to get his (certification) as a boat crew member. They can be deployed as a resource for hurricanes and anything the state may need. Les is also a quiet guy who does anything you ask him to. He doesn’t complain, works hard and does whatever is needed. (As an EMT), he has a good bedside manner and anybody who works with him is glad to have him as a partner,” Kauffman said.
Turner presented Dockery and Eisenhart each with a medal and certificate of recognition during the ceremony held at county fire station 1. “It’s a peer-recognized award that’s discussed amongst the officers and senior staff. Last year, it was part of our Christmas dinner and award ceremony. This year, due to COVID, we were unable to have an official Christmas gathering like we did last year. We incorporated (these awards) into a shift lunch and kept the numbers low with no family or visitors except for Mr. Turner,” Kauffman noted.
‘We really do appreciate the first responders’
Turner, a Blairsville resident, said he worked for 30 years as a police officer in DeKalb County and has a son who’s a firefighter.
The Blue Ridge Mountains SAR started its first responder award program shortly after forming in 2000. Presentation of the awards used to alternate between the four counties every year, Turner noted.
For the past three years, Turner has self-funded the commendations presented in all the chapter counties.
“I decided I would pay for the awards out of my own pocket and I don’t mind doing that. I like doing that,” he said. “We really do appreciate the first responders and what they do to make our communities a better place.”
This year, the SAR chapter also presented special plaques of appreciation to law enforcement personnel in the four counties, Turner said.
“We gave out eight plaques to police departments this year (including the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office and Ellijay Police), as a way to show that they are appreciated in these troubled times. We’ve only done that this year,” he added.
Turner said the SAR chapter also plans to present a medal and certificate of recognition to an employee of the Gilmer Sheriff’s Office later this month.