In a gesture to honor the lifesaving efforts of its emergency responders, the Habersham County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed the week of May 18–24 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Appreciation Week during its meeting on Monday, May 19.
The proclamation recognizes EMS as an essential public service and highlights the dedication, training, and vital contributions of EMS professionals to the health and safety of the community.
These include not just emergency medical responders and paramedics, but also dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and administrative staff who support the county’s emergency medical system.
“From emergency calls to preventative care and telemedicine, these professionals are a crucial link in the healthcare chain,” the proclamation noted. It also underscores how the EMS field has evolved into a comprehensive system that extends well beyond emergency response.
In celebration of the week, first responders were treated to a “drive-in” cookout on Thursday, May 22, at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center. Off-duty personnel gathered for food and camaraderie, while on-duty teams stopped in to pick up meals to take back to their stations—ensuring all could participate.
‘Thank you goes a long way’
LT Brandon Fields praised the gesture, saying, “These guys and gals on the front lines do a lot of hard work. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way.”
Battalion Chief Dwight McNally echoed that sentiment: “We’re really grateful and thankful that the commission is backing us and recognizing the job that we do. Most of us do this because we love it—but it’s really nice to hear ‘we appreciate you.’”
Chief Jeff Adams reflected on the importance of the recognition: “It’s a big deal. These guys put their lives into helping the people of the county. The training, the effort—it’s all significant. We’ve got a great group. We’re like a family, and it’s great for the commission and county leadership to be part of that support system.”
Commissioner Kelly Woodall, who joined the celebration, spoke to the deep appreciation county residents feel: “If you talk to anyone who’s ever needed our EMS services, they’ll tell you—they’re among the most professional, hardworking crews we have. What’s remarkable is their shared dedication, whether they’re fresh out of high school or decades into the job.”
Woodall added that the crew’s unity and commitment to the community make them a cornerstone of Habersham County’s public safety efforts.
As EMS Week continues through Saturday, the county’s message is clear: the selfless service of emergency medical personnel is deeply valued—and proudly celebrated.
