Cleveland Police Officer Denton Vaugh stops a driver for a hands-free driving violation on the Cleveland Square. (Dean Dyer/wrwh.com)
Officers with the Cleveland Police Department have stepped up their efforts to promote traffic safety and reduce vehicle accidents during the Christmas holiday season.
Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker joined a concentrated traffic patrol Tuesday afternoon in the city focusing on where an increased number of vehicle accidents have occurred.
Officers were actively looking for impaired drivers, distracted drivers on their cell phones, equipment violations, seatbelt, and speed violations.
According to Shoemaker law enforcement officers across the state are participating in similar campaigns to make the roadways safer for those traveling during the holiday season.
After a two hour concentrated effort, Tuesday Shoemaker reported on how things went, “We gave a total of ten citations, three for hands-free violations, two for seatbelt violation, a child restraint violation, one tag or registration violation, a driver with a suspended license, an improper turn, open alcohol container and three warnings for miscellaneous violations.”
Chief Shoemaker said it was about more than just writing tickets.
“We hopefully have made some good contacts and hopefully we’ve made some of the drivers a little more aware of some safe practices while out here on the roads.”
Shoemaker pointed out that there have been over 1,700 fatal accidents on the roadways in Georgia in 2021 and in over 700 of those accidents the drivers were not wearing seatbelts.
Ma Elena Martinez De Lara, age 68 of Alto, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Born in Mexico on November 17, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Francisco Martinez Tinoco and Maria Luz Mora. Ma Elena was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church of Cleveland where she loved worshiping with her family and served on many church retreats at CLNPC. She was a loving wife and mother who cared for her family. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking and catering parties.
Surviving are her husband, David Lara of Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Alvaro Lara & Gloria Rodriguez, Leobardo Lara & Evangelina Zavala, Jose Lara, David Lara & Sara Romero, Andres Lara & Nancy Zavala and Luis Lara all of Alto; daughters and sons-in-law, Maria Lara & Nicolas Ramirez and Yuli Lara all of Alto, Maribel Lara & Jose Zavala and Monica Lara & Jose Tinoco all of Cornelia; 29 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am, Friday, December 24, 2021 at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Cleveland with Father Favio Alvarez officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the residence located at 207 Church Street, Alto, Georgia 30510.
Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Lynda Lokey Gresham, age 81, of Peachtree City, Georgia passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on December 20, 2021.
She was born on August 20, 1940 in Demorest, GA to the late Robert “Bobby” Lokey and Mary Dell Sullivan Lokey. In addition to being the valedictorian of her graduating class of 1958 at South Habersham High School, she was also the captain of the girl’s basketball and cheerleading team. After high school, she went on to attend Piedmont College where she graduated with honors in 1961. Lynda then obtained her master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia and went on to attend all the necessary classes toward her doctorate degree at The College of William & Mary. She had a lifelong career of teaching high school classes in Math & English and was also a school counselor until her retirement in 2009. Mrs. Gresham was an avid reader, a phenomenal gardener, she enjoyed crafting all kinds of art and was an excellent tennis player and was a certified USTA umpire. Lynda was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Ken Gresham of Peachtree City, GA; her sons, Nik Lokey of Demorest, GA; Jonathan Lokey and his wife, Valerie of Greenville, SC; Dru Bergren and his wife, Maureen of Chattanooga, TN; step daughters, Nancy Malnik and her husband, Al of Ocean Ridge, FL; Amanda Gresham of Peachtree City, GA; and Alex Gresham and her fiancé, Chris of Peachtree City, GA; brothers, Robin Lokey and his wife, Marianne of Juliette, GA; Scott Lokey and his wife, Diana of Cumming, GA; and sister Olivia Lokey Smith of Chapin, SC; She is also survived by her grandchildren, who affectionately call her “Luli”: Kyle, Luke, Henry, Trey, Will, Belle, Nathan, Jarod, Spencer, Jesse, Noah and Sterling; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private Services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535 at 1:00PM, with Mr. Everett Huffman officiating. Interment will follow at Demorest City Cemetery.
Family and close friends will gather at the funeral home for the hour prior to the service.
Ava Marie Green, age 8 months, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021.
A Visitation Service will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel.
The family requests everyone to please wear either pink or something “Minnie Mouse” related to honor Ms. Ava Green.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners, alongside some of Habersham's Emergency Services team, recognized Black for his years of service to the county. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners honored Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black with a service award on Monday night, celebrating his 34 years of service to Habersham County.
Black announced his resignation on Dec. 13, which will be effective on Jan. 14. He has been employed with the county since 1988, where he began his work as a part-time paramedic in Habersham County. In 2016, Black retired as Hall County’s deputy fire chief, and in 2017, he became the county’s emergency services director.
Commissioners Bruce Palmer, Dustin Mealor and Bruce Harkness, along with the rest of the commission, present Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black with an award recognizing his 34 years of service to Habersham County. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)
“It’s hard to come across someone in the county that everyone respects and loves,” Habersham County Commission Chairman Dustin Mealor said during the presentation of Black’s service award. “You are an absolute integral member of this community. No one has ever said anything bad about you.”
His award was met with applause and a standing ovation from the board of commissioners, county workers, HCES employees, media and citizens attending the commission meeting.
“These five years have been very special, and this has been a very hard decision,” Black said after receiving the award. “I’ll still be part of this community, and any time I can ever help, I’ll be here.”
After Black’s resignation takes effect, he’ll be moving on to a new job as the Executive Vice-President of Governmental Sales and Business Development at Pro-GeneX Laboratories and Clinical Service in Gainesville. He hopes his new position will give him well-deserved time with his family, and a better work-life balance, after committing decades of service to the county.
“We have done a lot of good things and brought this department a long way in four short years,” Black tells Now Habersham. “I’m very proud of that, and the citizens have recognized it and realized how far we’ve come.”
He says these last few weeks have been emotionally charged as he receives thanks from the citizens he’s impacted over the years and reflects on his career with Habersham County, but he’s grateful for the outpouring of support he’s received.
“The kind words and the support for me and the department— it’s been very heartfelt,” Black says. “I’ve said I’ve cried more in the last week than I’ve cried my entire life. I’m not a crier, but it’s been very emotional . . . I came into work Thursday and there were some notes under my door and some citizens had left a little gift for me. Those things are very much appreciated and mean the world to me. And it just shows that we do have a good organization and we’ve done some good things for the community.”
Chad Black began his four decade career in public safety in Hall County and will end it on Jan. 14, 2022, in Habersham. (photo by Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
Editor’s Note: Outgoing Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black penned an open letter to the community following his decision to retire from his 40-year public service career. Here is his letter in its entirety.
Since 1987, I have been blessed and honored to be part of the Habersham community, working part-time with E.M.S. and Habersham County Medical Center. The welcome I received from the community and the pleasure I had in providing care to the citizens when in need is unparalleled.
When I retired from Hall County Fire after 31 plus years in 2016, I knew where I needed to be – Habersham County – to finish my Public Safety career.
Chad Black (right) with his mentor and former boss Jack Moody in June 2017. Black took over as Habersham County’s EMS director when Moody retired in 2017. (photo courtesy Habersham County)
Jack Moody – the former E.M.S. Director and a mentor – hired me full time, and when Jack retired in 2017, a true honor was bestowed upon me to be named his replacement as E.M.S. Director. Then, fast forward to early 2018, a meeting with then-County Manager Phil Sutton and Hospital C.E.O. Lynn Boggs, where I learned the hospital would be transitioning E.M.S. to the county and merging with Fire Services. My new position would be Director of Emergency Services, and we had about three weeks until the commission would meet again to approve this. Following that vote, we would have about three weeks to complete the merger, a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.
Never fear, the personnel of Habersham E.M.S. and the Habersham County Fire Department was up to this challenge, and they made it happen. There were bumps in the road, but overall, this was a success, and I give that success to the men and women of what is now Habersham County Emergency Services. They are genuinely some of the very best, and this county needs to continue to support and help grow this department because you have some of the best serving!
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black could often be found out in the field, responding to calls alongside his colleagues. He’s shown here at the scene of a wreck in 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
Like every career, at some point, it will come to an end, and mine is here. It’s time for someone else to step up and take this outstanding department to the next level. I have made my direct report to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, the County Commission, and our personnel of HCES of my intentions to leave my position as Director/Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services, effective January 14th, 2022.
I am unable to find appropriate words to express my appreciation to the men and women of this department, county administration, county commission, Sheriff Joey Terrell and his personnel, Lynn Smith, city fire and police chief’s and their personnel, media/press, and the business leaders and citizens of Habersham County. You welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I am forever grateful and humbled for you allowing me to serve this grand county.
When the pandemic hit Georgia in March 2020, Black oversaw the coordination and implementation of Habersham County’s public safety COVID protocol. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Phil Sutton, you put your trust in me and took a chance, and I will always be grateful for your support and leadership. I hope I never let you down.
To the men and women of HCES, your support and friendship, I can never find the words appropriate to say thank you, you are my family. I love every one of you dearly.
Fire Chief Jeff Cain, and E.M.S. Director Jack Moody, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and having a foundation with Fire and E.M.S. for us to build upon; I will never forget what you have done for this community and me personally.
(Daniel Purcell/Red Bird Media)
I also need to thank Interim-County Manager Alicia Vaughn. She has been one of the best I have ever worked with; I can’t thank her enough for her guidance and leadership during our short work time together.
No doubt, I will miss this profession after 40-years, and I will miss the people, but I will still come back and visit the best I have ever worked with and always consider you, the men and women of this department and this county, family.
I hope this county and city leadership, the business community, and citizens continue to support your public safety professionals and their agencies. Because of your support, you have these fine men and women that comprise so many great departments in this county!
It’s challenging hiring and keeping personnel in today’s times. Your return on investment will be invaluable to this county and cities within! You have the finest, always striving to find ways to keep them home and serve these communities. The R.O.I. will be invaluable to everyone if you continue to invest, which I assure you will be a fact!
And once more, thank you, Habersham County; it was an honor to serve and be part of the family. Truly a blessing for me.
Sincerely,
Chad Black
Director/Fire Chief-Habersham County Emergency Services
In May of 2020, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she disagreed with the Georgia governor's decision to reopen many businesses. (Stephen Fowler / GPB News)
ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Tuesday reinstated a mask requirement inside stores and other businesses in the city due to rising COVID-19 infections and the emergence of the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant, which has quickly become the dominant version of the virus in the U.S.
Bottoms also cited guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for her decision.
“The CDC has designated Fulton and DeKalb counties as areas of high transmission for the COVID-19 virus,” the mayor said in a statement. “Given this recent surge across the Atlanta area, and based upon the counsel from public health professionals, I am reinstating the citywide mask mandate.”
Mayor @KeishaBottoms has issued an Executive Order to reinstate the citywide indoor mask mandate and move the City of Atlanta back to the Yellow Zone. The order is in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections and the impact of the Omicron variant. pic.twitter.com/lhd6NxObP1
People who fail to wear a mask indoors could face a fine of $50 for a second offense. Bottoms had lifted the previous mask mandate last month.
The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has risen almost 50% in Georgia in the last month, and the number of infections detected continues to accelerate.
Nearly 1,250 patients were hospitalized statewide Tuesday with the respiratory illness. That’s well below the record of roughly 6,000 that was reached in early September at the peak of Georgia’s fourth surge of virus cases. But it’s well above the recent low of 824 patients recorded on Nov. 22. Hospital officials in the state are expecting patient counts to rise with the omicron variant.
CDC officials said Monday that cases of the omicron variant now make up more than 90% of new infections in the Southeast, displacing the once-dominant delta variant.
Much about the omicron coronavirus variant remains unknown, including whether it causes more or less severe illness. Scientists say omicron spreads even easier than other coronavirus strains, including delta.
Early studies suggest the vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing an omicron infection. But even without the extra dose, experts say vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.
Bottoms’ latest mask requirement came after Atlanta mayor-elect Andre Dickens said a rapid test Monday showed he had COVID-19. Dickens, who said he was fully vaccinated, was isolating, although he reported feeling well and having mild symptoms.
Marion Dwayne Kimbrell, age 73, of Cornelia, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021.
Born on July 29, 1948, in Clarkesville, he was a son of the late John Marion and Ethel Evelyn Skelton Kimbrell. Mr. Kimbrell was a United States Army veteran having proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a professional painter and a handyman who loved to fix things. Mr. Kimbrell enjoyed growing plants and had a good sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Rita Faye Matthews Kimbrell and brothers, Ronald Floyd Kimbrell and David Lamar Kimbrell.
Survivors include his daughters, Rhonda Faye Kimbrell and Nicole Dee Jones Kimbrell; sons, Ronald Keith Kimbrell and Michael Dwayne Kimbrell; brother, John Kimbrell; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Construction crews are extending cable barriers along GA 365 in Habersham County. They’re currently working in the median between Duncan Bridge and Level Grove Roads on the south end of the county.
“This is an active work zone and as such speeding penalties and fines increase,” the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office warns. “As much as 1 mph over in a work zone can get you pulled over.”
The three-strand cable barrier system is being installed in the grass median to enhance safety, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Cornelia-based Higgins Construction Co. won the contract for the $1.5 million project. The project will extend the barriers from Hall into Habersham County ensuring “the latest safety barrier equipment is present down the entire corridor,” GDOT says.
Cable barriers are softer than guardrails, resulting in less impact force and redirection, experts say. They are also more adaptable to slopes typically found in medians and can be installed through less invasive construction methods.
Drivers should watch out for single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday.
The sheriff’s office asks drivers to “Please obey the speed limit, watch for construction vehicles and personnel, and for possible lane/shoulder closures.”
The work is expected to be completed by April 2022.
John Robert Briggs, age 79 of Mt. Airy, Georgia is healed and in the arms of Jesus. John passed away December 20th due to an extended illness. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, John managed his illness with strength, dignity, and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his last days, John was surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandsons, identical twin brother, and grand dogs who adored him more than anything else in the world.
Born in Cornelia, Georgia on August 25, 1942, he was the son of the late PY and Catherine Briggs. For much of his life, John grew up in Habersham County. Johnny, as his friends and family called him, was a Veteran of the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. He retired from the United States Postal Service in Gainesville, Georgia after over 32 years of service, where he was loved by everyone on his mail route.
Johnny enjoyed sharing his love for Jesus Christ with others as well as spending time with his family and watching the Atlanta Braves and The University of Georgia Football with his grandsons. He loved fishing and spending time at the beach with his beloved wife Sandra. Johnny was a deacon and member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Demorest Georgia. Everyone who knew Johnny knew that in addition to always being on top of things, he was extremely kind and generous.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Loudermilk Briggs, and their two daughters and sons-in-law; Kelly and Mitch Williams, Cleveland, GA, Michelle and Keith Howell, Braselton, GA; mother in law Elizabeth Loudermilk of Mt. Airy, grandchildren Matthew Chitwood, Cleveland, Jonathan & Peyton Howell, Braselton; identical twin brother Jimmy Briggs (Brenda), Waterloo, SC, sisters in law; Barbara Dalton of Mt. Airy, Joy Wilbanks (Marshal) of Toccoa and Gail Asato of Aiea, HI, brother in law Jerry Loudermilk (Shirley) of Cornelia, grand dogs, Sophie and Georgia, as well as a large extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, PY and Catherine Briggs as well as his brother, Glenn Briggs.
The family would like to thank the hospice team who became like family while Johnny was under hospice care. The team included Beth, Alan, Bobbie, Judy, Heather, and Selena.
Join us in celebrating a life well lived. A visitation is planned for Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Hillside Memorial Chapel. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Rev. Josh Taylor, Rev. Terry Rice and Dr. Charles Holland will officiate with interment to follow the service in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
Funeral services for Melvin Stephens, age 75 of Mt. Airy, will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Hollywood Baptist Church. Dr. Don Samples will officiate with interment to follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Mr. Stephens passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021.
Born in Toccoa, Georgia on October 1, 1946, Mr. Stephens was the son of the late Lamon Joseph Stephens and Beryl Kinney Whitener. He was a self-employed businessman as the owner of Stephens and Sons Farms. A lifelong resident of Habersham County, Mr. Stephens was a member of Hollywood Baptist Church and was a true family man that dearly loved his children and grandchildren. Mr. Stephens also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and car racing. In addition to his parents, Mr. Stephens is preceded in death by his son Shane Stephens, and stepbrothers Joseph Stephens and Bobby Stephens and sister Susan Stephens Thomas.
Survivors include son Matthew (Amber) Stephens of Bowling Green, Kentucky, daughters Kellie Stephens of Mt. Airy and Contessa Stephens of Hollywood, life partner and mother of his children, Barbara Alexander Stephens of Hollywood, sisters Linda Stephens Williams of Mt. Airy and Ann Stephens Church of Clarkesville. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Kirsten Stephens (Haven Allen), Keaton Stephens (Ivey Sosebee), Chelsey Stephens, Cody Wade, Megan (Joe) Chastain, McKenzie Moore, Chandler Allen, Chaselin Allen, Coler Allen, and Caitlin Plant, as well as great-grandchildren Isabella Allen, Paisley Allen, Addalynn Stephens, Breelynn Wade, Saylor Chastain, and Scout Chastain as well as numerous extended family and many friends.
Funeral services for Jamey Randall Foster, age 47 of Baldwin, will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. Pastor David Sharpton will officiate with interment to follow the service in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Mr. Foster passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021.
Born in Gainesville, Georgia on August 12, 1974, Mr. Foster was the son of Vicki Sue Bramlett Foster and the late James Randall Foster. He graduated from Habersham Central High School in 1992 and was employed at Titan Steel Doors as an Inventory Controller. Mr. Foster was also an archery coach with Banks County 4-H, the Refuge Archery and the Banks County Archery Team, as well as a member of the Banks County FFA Alumni Association. An avid hunter and fisherman, he and his son Tanner not only enjoyed archery together but enjoyed farming together as well. They took great pleasure in raising commercial Angus cattle, Angus show heifers, and show pigs. In addition to his father, Mr. Foster is preceded in death by his grandfathers J.C. Bramlett and James B. Foster and grandmother Imogene Wade Stancil.
Survivors include wife Connie Hyde Foster and son Tanner James Foster of Baldwin, mother Vicki Sue Bramlett Foster of Alto, grandmother and grandpa Steve and Joan Bailey of Alto, sister Marcie (Jason) Foster King of Alto, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family.
Black: It’s been a ‘blessing’ and ‘honor’ to serve the Habersham community
Editor’s Note: Outgoing Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black penned an open letter to the community following his decision to retire from his 40-year public service career. Here is his letter in its entirety.
Since 1987, I have been blessed and honored to be part of the Habersham community, working part-time with E.M.S. and Habersham County Medical Center. The welcome I received from the community and the pleasure I had in providing care to the citizens when in need is unparalleled.
When I retired from Hall County Fire after 31 plus years in 2016, I knew where I needed to be – Habersham County – to finish my Public Safety career.
Jack Moody – the former E.M.S. Director and a mentor – hired me full time, and when Jack retired in 2017, a true honor was bestowed upon me to be named his replacement as E.M.S. Director. Then, fast forward to early 2018, a meeting with then-County Manager Phil Sutton and Hospital C.E.O. Lynn Boggs, where I learned the hospital would be transitioning E.M.S. to the county and merging with Fire Services. My new position would be Director of Emergency Services, and we had about three weeks until the commission would meet again to approve this. Following that vote, we would have about three weeks to complete the merger, a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.
Never fear, the personnel of Habersham E.M.S. and the Habersham County Fire Department was up to this challenge, and they made it happen. There were bumps in the road, but overall, this was a success, and I give that success to the men and women of what is now Habersham County Emergency Services. They are genuinely some of the very best, and this county needs to continue to support and help grow this department because you have some of the best serving!
Like every career, at some point, it will come to an end, and mine is here. It’s time for someone else to step up and take this outstanding department to the next level. I have made my direct report to County Manager Alicia Vaughn, the County Commission, and our personnel of HCES of my intentions to leave my position as Director/Fire Chief for Habersham County Emergency Services, effective January 14th, 2022.
I am unable to find appropriate words to express my appreciation to the men and women of this department, county administration, county commission, Sheriff Joey Terrell and his personnel, Lynn Smith, city fire and police chief’s and their personnel, media/press, and the business leaders and citizens of Habersham County. You welcomed me with open arms, and for that, I am forever grateful and humbled for you allowing me to serve this grand county.
Phil Sutton, you put your trust in me and took a chance, and I will always be grateful for your support and leadership. I hope I never let you down.
To the men and women of HCES, your support and friendship, I can never find the words appropriate to say thank you, you are my family. I love every one of you dearly.
Fire Chief Jeff Cain, and E.M.S. Director Jack Moody, thank you for your leadership, friendship, and having a foundation with Fire and E.M.S. for us to build upon; I will never forget what you have done for this community and me personally.
I also need to thank Interim-County Manager Alicia Vaughn. She has been one of the best I have ever worked with; I can’t thank her enough for her guidance and leadership during our short work time together.
No doubt, I will miss this profession after 40-years, and I will miss the people, but I will still come back and visit the best I have ever worked with and always consider you, the men and women of this department and this county, family.
I hope this county and city leadership, the business community, and citizens continue to support your public safety professionals and their agencies. Because of your support, you have these fine men and women that comprise so many great departments in this county!
It’s challenging hiring and keeping personnel in today’s times. Your return on investment will be invaluable to this county and cities within! You have the finest, always striving to find ways to keep them home and serve these communities. The R.O.I. will be invaluable to everyone if you continue to invest, which I assure you will be a fact!
And once more, thank you, Habersham County; it was an honor to serve and be part of the family. Truly a blessing for me.
Sincerely,
Chad Black
Director/Fire Chief-Habersham County Emergency Services