Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) employees working throughout Dawson, Forsyth, Lumpkin, Gilmer, and Pickens Counties have been awarded the agency’s “North Zone County of the Year” award.
The annual honor is given by the GFC’s Forest Protection Department, which manages wildfire readiness throughout the state. Criteria were measured in the categories of, performance and productivity, safety, and achievements.
“Under the direction of Chief Ranger Wesley Sisk, employees in the Dawson/Forsyth/Lumpkin/Gilmer/Pickens Unit demonstrated remarkable accomplishments during a time when normal operations were anything but normal,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, vacancies, and restrictions, this team earned impeccable marks across the board and is most deserving of this recognition.”
Employees in the unit were commended for their outstanding maintenance and repairs to wildfire suppression vehicles and equipment during firebreak installations, while paying special attention to environmental best management practices. Due to their many skills, more than $30,000 in savings was realized, electrical wiring projects and upgrades at two county offices were completed, and two employees volunteered and deployed to western wildfires last summer. Chief Ranger Sisk was recognized for assuming the leadership role of another unit when vacancies were in place and supporting personnel was limited.
“The GFC bar is set high,” said Lowrimore. “Many of our units made exceptional strides last year, and it’s clear county personnel have a steadfast focus on high-quality service to the State of Georgia.”
For more information about services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
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