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Dawson County Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond was honored recently by Governor Sonny Perdue with a Georgia Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution which enhanced the Profession.

Dawson County Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond was honored last Friday by Governor Sonny Perdue with a Georgia Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution which enhanced the Profession.   The accolade is reserved for an individual whose job performance has had an overwhelming positive effect on the overall profession.

In a ceremony held in Forsyth, Georgia, Thurmond was among 20 public safety professionals recognized for acts of heroism and professional contributions.  Gov. Perdue decorated each recipient with a medallion and their names were added to the Georgia Public Service Safety monument located at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC).

Gov. Perdue said, “Georgia is proud to recognize our brave law enforcement officers and emergency responders for their commitment to keeping our citizens safe.”  He continued, “The courage and dedication of these Georgians are on display every day and they have earned our appreciation.”

Dawson County Commission Chair Mike Berg recognizes Thurmond’s contribution to the emergency services field and the community.  “Billy has a long history of service to this county and we are so pleased to have someone of his caliber,” said Chairman Berg.  “He is very deserving of this award.”

Director Thurmond said, “I consider it an honor to have been selected among all of the deserving individuals in this profession. I have been blessed to have the support that I receive from everyone in the department and the county. Everyone working together as a team makes this type of award possible.”

Thurmond began his career with Dawson County EMS in 1980. He went on to achieve his paramedic certification in 1985 and was appointed director of Dawson County EMS in 1987.  Under his leadership, Dawson County EMS was awarded Georgia EMS Service of the Year in 2000.

When Thurmond was selected in 2002 to head the new emergency services department for Dawson County he was charged with merging Volunteer Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Management.

He was instrumental in the development of the original 911 advisory board for Dawson County on which he still serves.  Thurmond also serves on the Lanier Technical College’s EMS advisory board.  He is a state certified firefighter and is recognized as a Master Certified Emergency Manager by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Thurmond was a founding member of Safe Kids Dawson County and has been a certified child safety seat educator since 2001. He has served more than 20 years as a member of the Region II EMS advisory council and is the chairman of the Region II EMS Directors Association.

Thurmond is a member of Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association, Georgia State Firefighters Association, Emergency Management Association of Georgia, and the Georgia Coroner’s Association.

He has served as interim county manager for Dawson County and since 1997 has served as deputy coroner.  Thurmond is chairman of the Safety committee and Health and Wellness committee for the county and represents Dawson County on the Public Safety and Judicial committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).

Thurmond encourages his employees to be active in leadership roles and many employees are board members and award winners because of his example and encouragement.

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