Barrow County Emergency Services (BCES) recently spent some time recognizing some of its personnel. “We started doing these awards to recognize all the hard working men and women that work at BCES,” stated Chief Alan Shuman.
“In 2020 we were challenged with doing our jobs in a world with COVID19," he said. "Each and every one of our folks dealt with the many changes that came along with this and I want to thank them all for that. We also want to put some normalcy in and recognize some of our outstanding folks.”
From the E911 Division the Communication Officer of the Year is Jim Poole and the Shift Supervisor of the Year is Adam Reynolds.
The E911 division had a year filled with changes and challenges. “We made some incredible changes this year that included developing policies on handling 911 calls during the pandemic,” stated Assistant Division Manager Patrick Harbin. “We also implemented the new Emergency Medical Dispatch system. So many of you stepped up this year and helped in so many ways and many deserve recognition including these two gentlemen. I am very proud of the way our people worked together to overcome the many challenges we faced in 2020.”
From the Operations Division, the Company Officer of the Year was Lieutenant Steve Rose and FF/EMT Josh Graham was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year. Fire Medic Cory Landers was recognized as Paramedic of the Year and FF/EMT Sean Cowan is the EMT of the Year. FF Richard Hester received the Rookie of the Year award. “Each of these men have stepped up and are deserving of these awards,” stated Chief Shuman. “They are great examples of the men and women that work here.”
Nicole Swenson received the Outstanding Service Award. Capt. Brett Skinner made the presentation to Nicole. “Every day she stepped up and handled many challenges in dealing with the COVID pandemic and never hesitated when facing the challenges,” Skinner said. “Nicole is truly deserving of this recognition.”
“Barrow County Emergency Services also has numerous partners working with us in the community and we want to thank all of them for helping us provide the great services that we offer,” stated Chief Shuman. “Each year we take the time to recognize an individual that volunteers with us and a business that steps up and assists us in our efforts.” This year the TJ Snow award went to Mike Wolcott who is a very dedicated member of our CERT Team. The Walter E Elder award went to Harrison Poultry who has been very generous to the department for many years.
“Each and every one of these folks worked hard and helped keep this department moving forward during the challenges of 2020,” stated Chief Shuman. “I am truly proud of the way all the folks here stepped up and helped out and it is an honor to lead the great men and women of Barrow County Emergency Services.”