Fire Station 8 volunteers a no-show at training submit their resignations instead
News December 7, 2018
Danny Thompson
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – As of Thursday (Dec. 6), Dawson County Fire Station 8 which serves the Wildcat Community is unmanned.
A tense situation came to a head on Tuesday when the 13 volunteer firefighters who work there refused a directive from Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson to attend a mandatory training session.
Thursday morning, Thompson summoned Lt. John Tarantini — who supervises Station 8 – to a meeting. “It was my intention to demote him back to support staff for failure to follow an order and insubordination,” Thompson said. “He declined to sign the paperwork and instead tendered his resignation.”
Tarantini also brought with him the resignation of the 12 other volunteers who work at Station 8, which Thompson accepted. That effectively closes the station for now. Station 6 on Hubbard Road in Big Canoe is the closest manned fire station to the Wildcat Community which lies in both Dawson and Pickens counties.
County Manager David Headley warned Tarantini that failure to attend Tuesday’s training session could have serious consequences.
In an email sent Tuesday (Dec. 4) Headley wrote: “Chief Thompson has directed you and the volunteer staff to attend training (per his commitment to the citizens) conducted by Dawson County. Should you choose not to do so or direct the volunteer staff not to comply with the direction you have been provided, then I will move forward in making other arrangements.”
How long the station will remain closed is uncertain. In a phone interview Thursday afternoon, Thompson said some volunteers had already called to ask if they could rescind their resignation. “I told them to get together and decide what they want to do as a group,” he said.
Fire Station 8 is operated under an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Pickens County that has been in effect since 2008. The IGA stipulates that Dawson County shall assume operation of the station and operate it as a substation of Dawson County Emergency Services. It also stipulates that Dawson County shall provide training, equipment and workers compensation insurance for the volunteer firefighters.
Under state law, volunteer firefighters are not allowed to engage in fire suppression activity (spraying water on the fire) until they receive their certification. The training Dawson County planned to provide would have helped them become certified.
“Be assured, that we will continue to keep our commitment to the citizens of Dawson County as we have always done,” Thompson said.
Tarantini was contacted for this article but declined to answer questions. However, in an email response, he wrote, “We are preparing an announcement to the communities concerning our decision to resign, why and what prompted that event, trust that I will copy you on that announcement.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC holds second public hearing on budget
News October 14, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners held a work session and the second of three public hearings on the proposed 2019 budget of $27,130,089 Thursday. Commissioners will hold the final hearing Thursday Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. in the County Administration Building.
The proposed budget includes 23 new employees –19 full-time and four part-time — at a cost of a little over $932,000.
During the work session, commissioners voted to table the consideration of annexations until the Oct. 18 meeting.
KARE for Kids Board Member Tom French presented a request to use the several county facilities’ parking lots to park cars during the Mountain Moonshine Festival. Those lots requested include the Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, K Long Building and Voters’ Registration (Sunday only).
Family Court Treatment Services Director Debbie Mott presented an application grant for supplemental funding for creation of the Dawson County Family Treatment Court. Mott is seeking $67,642 in funding from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. To be approved the county must provide $7,516 in matching funds. If approved, Mott said Treatment Services would use the funding to create the Dawson County Family Treatment Court, hire a full-time case manage and buy office furniture, equipment and supplies.
Department of Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson asked commissioners to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) that would create a local collective operating group to disseminate warnings for specific emergency alerts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the designated agency in the Department of Homeland Security that implements the policy of public alerts on a national level. IPAWS is the platform used. However, FEMA recognizes that most alerts and warnings come from the state or local level, therefore there is a need for an authorized group of individuals to disseminate those alerts.
Thompson also presented a request to apply for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant that would allow the department to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus. FEMA will provide 90 percent of the total cost. Dawson County would provide the other 10 percent.
Director of Public Works Director David McKee asked commissioners to consider acceptance of Marketplace Parkway into the county road maintenance program.
Marketplace Parkway, formerly Gordon Moss Road, was developed as a commercial subdivision by Hendon Properties. The developer has built and posted maintenance and performance bonds for the roadway. Staff has performed all required inspections and has deemed the road completed.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Veteran fireman, EMS director Lanier Swafford resigns
News May 2, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Lanier Swafford, a fixture in Dawson County’s Fire Department for almost 30 years, has announced he will resign effective Friday.
Swafford served in the dual role of emergency services director and fire chief until the department was restructured earlier this year. At that time, Swafford accepted a voluntary demotion but retained both ranks until the county hired Danny Thompson as the new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) director last week.
“It is clear the county and Mr. Thompson have decided to go in a different direction, so I have resigned my position effective Friday,” Swafford said.
He started working as a volunteer fireman in Dawson County in 1989 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1991. In 1997, he became a full-time firefighter and was named chief of the volunteer fire department.
Former EMS Director Billy Thurmond promoted Swafford to EMS division chief in 2007. In 2015, he succeeded Thurmond as EMS director.
Thurmond said, “This is a tremendous loss for Dawson County. Lanier was dedicated to the citizens for over 25 years. It’s a huge loss. He is the kind of person you can’t replace. He always had the best interest of the citizens at heart even to the point of missing out on some opportunities with his family due to his dedication.”
Tim Satterfield, who served as deputy fire chief under Swafford, said, “Lanier is a good man. He has done a lot for the citizens of Dawson County and Dawson County Emergency Services. He is well respected throughout the state with all the work he has done for fire services and firefighters in Georgia. I wish him well.”
Swafford said he has worked with Thompson this week to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach.If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Tim Cameron receives Mary Beth Bowns Trauma Award
News February 25, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County firefighter/paramedic Tim Cameron was presented the Mary Beth Bowns Award on Feb. 21 during the annual Georgia Emergency Medical Services Day at the State Capitol.
The award is presented to an individual or organization in the state for outstanding delivery of care to a critically injured patient(s). Named in honor of Mary Beth Bowns, the recipient should have exhibited excellence in the delivery of care to the trauma patient and effected positive change in the trauma care system.
Dawson County Fire and EMS is proud of Cameron, who responded to several significant trauma related calls during 2018. All victims had favorable outcomes due to the excellent patient care received.
Dawson County EMA Director/Fire Chief Danny Thompson said, “We are truly blessed to a have a top-notch Paramedic, like Tim here in Dawson. Tim has been employed with Dawson County since 2011, and works full-time with Marietta Fire. “He is a team player in every aspect of his job, and is skill set ranks amongst some of the best I’ve ever seen.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
No injuries reported as tractor trailer overturns on Hwy. 53
News February 4, 2019
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Dawson County Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson reported that a tractor trailer overturned at 11:05 a.m. today on SR 53 just east of GA 400. There were no injuries and the investigation is under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol. No further details are available at this time. Fetch Your News will have more information as it becomes available.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawson gets first look at Pickens IGA proposal counters with key modifications
News December 20, 2018
Commission Billy Thurmond
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Officials in Dawson and Pickens counties, who have been working to re-write a 10-year old intergovernmental agreement (IGA) in an effort to get Fire Station No. 8 in the Wildcat Community operating again, exchanged first drafts Wednesday.
The station was effectively closed earlier this month when the 13 firefighters – all volunteers – refused an order by Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson to participate in training to help them gain state certification and turned in their resignations.
The area served by Station No. 8 is located in both counties and the two governments entered into an IGA in 2008 to facilitate purchase of the land, construction of the building, and provide for management and training. Since the mass resignation, Dawson County Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond and Pickens County Chairman Rob Jones have been working to re-negotiate the IGA.
“The meetings went very well,” Thurmond said Wednesday. “We both realize the main goal is to protect the community. To do that, we need an agreement in place that everyone can get along with.”
Dawson County received Pickens’ first draft of a new IGA Wednesday and, while there are still many issues to be negotiated, one issue that appears to be agreeable to each side is that Pickens County will assume operational control of the station.
After reviewing the draft, Thurmond said, “This is a work in progress. There probably will be more changes.” Late Wednesday, he discussed Pickens’ draft with Thompson and there were several additional areas of agreement that included, but are not limited to:
- Pickens will maintain the fire station;
- Pickens County shall provide insurance for the building and its contents;
- Pickens County shall assume operation of the fire station and operate it as a substation of Pickens County Emergency Services;
- Dawson County shall transfer title of Engine 8 and Pickens County will insure it;
- Dawson County shall maintain the title of the existing tanker truck and insure and maintain it;
- Pickens County shall obtain the necessary Compliance Certification for the fire station from the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council.
There are also a number of areas where Dawson County wants modifications to the Pickens proposal. They include, but are not limited to, how the counties will respond to situations where automatic aid is provided, who will provide radio equipment for the station, who will provide insurance and drivers for the tanker.
While Pickens County agrees to provide training, equipment and workers compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters, Dawson County wants Pickens to also provide cancer insurance for them just as it does now.
Where the Pickens proposal states that it will provide administrative support and leadership, Dawson wants it clearly spelled out that “All personnel will operate as to their level of certification as outlined by the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council. The newest edition of this manual shall be in effect and the Jurisdiction having Authority shall have operational control at all emergency incidents.”
Once the two sides agree on a draft, it must be submitted to the Boards of Commissioners in both counties for final approval.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Pickens Co. decision to train volunteer firefighters violates a 10-year agreement with Dawson County
News December 3, 2018
County Manager David Headley
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – What has been a simmering disagreement between Dawson and Pickens counties for months, erupted into something far more serious Monday when it was learned that Pickens County Commission Chairman Rob Jones plans to violate an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that has existed between the two counties since 2008.
Jones has made it clear Pickens County will take over training for the volunteer firefighters at Station 8 in the Wildcat Community, part of which lies inside both counties.
Dawson County Manager David Headley said Jones’ decision violates Section 5 of the IGA which states: “Dawson County shall provide training, equipment and workers compensation insurance for up to ten volunteer firefighters.”
It could also violate Section 12 of the IGA if Pickens plans to pullout of the agreement completely. Section 12 states: “The terms of the agreement shall be renewed automatically each year unless 180 days written notice of termination is provided by the other party.”
Pickens Co. Chairman Rob Jones
“I’m disappointed with the position (Jones) has taken,” Headley said Monday morning. “Dawson County has always been there for that community. Unfortunately, the Pickens County Chairman has chosen not to adhere to the IGA.”
Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson said he has a training class scheduled for the volunteers at Station 8 tomorrow (Dec. 4) at 6 p.m.
Jones decision to violate the IGA places volunteers in the difficult position of deciding whether to attend training provided by Dawson or Pickens counties. Sources have told Fetch Your News the volunteers are being pressured to attend the Pickens training which won’t begin for several more weeks.
Fetch Your News reached out to Chairman Jones but he did not return our phone call.
Station 8 was constructed in 2008. Under the terms of the IGA, Pickens County assumed responsibility for acquiring the land, making improvements to the land, construction of the station, building and contents insurance and LP gas.
Dawson County’s responsibilities include operation of the station, providing fire apparatus, including a fire engine and tanker truck, training and equipping the volunteers as well as administrative support and leadership.
The agreement worked well until recently when a dispute arose over the need for an additional water tank. The existing tank at Station 8 holds only 45,000 gallons of water and once it is drained, it takes several days to refill. The need for an additional water source was driven home last month when a home on Burnt Mountain Ridge Road was destroyed by fire.
In a townhall meeting following that fire — which Headley said was meant to ambush Dawson County officials — Clayton Preble, president of the Wildcat Community, said there was a firm agreement that Dawson County would provide a tank and move it and that Pickens County would construct the foundation.
Headley said that is nonsense. “There was an informal discussion but it never went any further than that,” he said. “Something like that would have to be approved by the Board of Commissioners and the issue was never placed before them.”
Headley said former Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford located a tank the county could have obtained for the price of moving it, which Swafford estimated to be about $10,000. But the actual cost turned out to be much higher — between $50,000 and $60,000. Moreover, no contractor was willing to bid on moving it.
Headley and Thompson spent more than an hour being grilled by the residents of Wildcat Community during the townhall meeting while Jones sat in the back of the room and was never questioned.
“It seems like their refusal to adhere to the IGA is in retaliation for us not giving them what they want with regard to the water tank,” Headley said.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Commissioners hold work session Thanksgiving Eve
News November 21, 2018
DAWSONVILLE Ga. – On Thanksgiving Eve, Dawson County Commissioners were asked to consider a number of grant applications during the work session.
Dawson County Chief Deputy Greg Rowan presented a request for a K-9 grant extension for the Sheriff’s Office. The county has received this grant for several years. The current K-9 grant ended June 30, 2018, and a sub-grant extension was granted through the end of the year in the amount of $56,102. It is used to cover the salary and benefits of two K-9 employees. There is no match required. Approval and signatures are all that is needed to activate.
Rowan also asked the commission for approval to apply for grant funding for the North Georgia K-9 Task Force. The sheriff’s office has received this funding in the past and is requesting approval to apply for $112,204 in 2019.
Danny Thompson
Fire and Emergency Services Interim Director Danny Thompson requested the commission accept the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) K-9 Grant Funds. This is a grant through GEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for expenses related to the K-9 program in the Fire/EMS department. The department has received this grant for several years.
The grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019, in the amount of $14,000 with no local match required.
Thompson was appointed as interim EMA director in July 2018 and provided 90 days by the Board of Commissioners to obtain his Certified Emergency Manager credentials. He received the credentials on Sept. 28 and Wednesday, he requested commissioners appoint him EMA director.
Fleet Maintenance Director Shannon Harben asked commissioners to approve a contract with Townley Construction for repair and maintenance of the Public Works Road Department equipment. Fleet Maintenance performs all repairs and maintenance capable of being completed in-house. Other work is outsourced for performance. The invitation for bids (IFB) was released on Oct. 25, 2018. Two bids were received on Nov. 9. The lowest, most responsive bid was offered by Townley Construction. The rates are $145 per hour in shop, $155 in field plus $180 travel fee for field repair and 2 percent markup on parts.
Senior Services Director Dawn Pruett asked for an addendum to increase funding for the Respite Care agreement with Legacy Link. Legacy Link receives an increase or decrease in funding during the contract year that changes original contract amounts. The addendum would include an additional $16,258 for respite care to be used during the last six months of the FY 2019 contract
Pruett also sought approval of a the continuous grant with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for providing public transportation for Dawson County citizens. The grant requires the county to pay a 50% match with federal and state funding for administrative and operating budget.
Issues discussed in a work session are generally voted on at the next voting session of the Board of Commissioners.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawsonville woman who died in Sunday fire identified
News October 29, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson has identified the woman who died in a mobile home fire Sunday as 64-year-old Carol Smith of Dawsonville.
Dawson County Emergency Services responded to the fire just before 1 a.m. at 15 Gal-a-gina Drive where they discovered a single-wide trailer on fire. Med 1 entered the structure operating in rescue mode and located Smith’s body.
The incident is being investigated by Georgia State Fire Marshall’s office, Dawson County Fire Marshall’s and Dawson County Sheriff’s Department. The cause of the fire is undetermined but is believed to be accidental.
Thompson would like to remind everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors on November 4, when Daylight Savings Time begins.
Smoke detectors are available at fire headquarters. There is no charge for anyone needing financial assistance.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
One person dies in Dawson County fire Sunday
News October 28, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – A Dawson County woman died in a residential fire early Sunday morning.
Dawson County Emergency Services responded to a mobile home fire just before 1 a.m.at 15 Gal-a-gina Drive where they discovered a single-wide trailer on fire. Med 1 entered the structure operating on a rescue mode and located a female victim who has not been identified, pending notification of next of kin.
The incident is being investigated by Georgia State Fire Marshall’s office, Dawson County Fire Marshall’s and Dawson County Sheriff’s Department. Cause is undetermined, pending further investigation.
Dawson County Public Safety Director Danny Thompson would like to remind everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors on November 4, when we change our clocks to end Daylight Savings.
Smoke detectors are available at fire headquarters. There is no charge for anyone needing financial assistance.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC reviews county Hazardous Mitigation Plan
News August 11, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson presented the county’s updated Hazardous Mitigation Plan at the Board of Commissioners work session Thursday.
The plan is a revision of the 2012 version and ensures Dawson County is in compliance with the regulations of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 that allows the county to maintain eligibility and qualify to secure federal funding from disastrous events.
During the plan development, the Dawson County Hazard Plan Committee identified five goals:
- Protect public health and safety;
- Reduce and eliminate exposure to natural/manmade hazard events;
- Reduce the loss and damage to private property/public infrastructure resulting from these various disasters;
- Maintain continuity of public/private sector operations during disasters;
- Respond promptly, appropriately and efficiently in the time of an event.
The plan was awarded a $24,000 Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) which requires a 25 percent match.
Thompson also asked Board approval to move money from the contingency fund to provide a 10 percent match for the Georgia Fireworks Tax Monies Grant to pay for the purchase of ten sets of firefighter personal protective ensemble (PPE) that cost $3,000 each.
Commissioners discussed three options for replacing some of the county’s aging photocopiers. The options included purchasing copiers, leasing copiers or a combination of a lease/purchase agreement. Staff recommended the county utilize the Georgia Department of Administrative Services contract to leverage the state’s purchasing power.
Public Works Director David McKee informed the Board of a safety concern created by increased traffic along Red Rider Road due to commercial development. The road is very narrow and pavement edges are significantly worn from the heavy through truck traffic. There is not enough right-of-way to widen the road to accommodate two traffic lanes.
McKee said staff is trying to work through short- and long-term solutions but heavy truck traffic, and through traffic continues to degrade the crumbling roadway. He recommended temporarily closing the road to through traffic from the intersection of Lumpkin Campground and Red Rider to a point approximately 1300’ from the intersection and added that his staff will continue to work with local property owners on a solution for long-term intersection improvements.
Items discussed during work sessions can be voted on at the next voting session of the Board of Commissioners.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Pickup truck crashes into building on Hwy. 53
News July 3, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – On Friday, June 29, a 2001 GMC Sierra driven by 36-year-old Jeremy Robert Kittle of Dahlonega was traveling east on Highway 53 in Dawson County when it crossed the middle lane and ran into a building at 300 Dawson Commons Circle.
Neither the driver nor his passenger, Jessica Kittle, 33, nor anyone inside the building was injured.
According to a report by the Georgia State Patrol, the driver suffered some type of medical condition that caused the wreck. Kittle’s vehicle struck a curb then the building and came to a rest with half the vehicle inside the building.
The incident was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol Office in Cumming.
Dawson County Fire Chief/EMA Director Danny Thompson said a fire engine and Med 2 responded to the incident and secured the vehicle and building.
Dawson Co. to surrender control of Fire Station 8
News January 12, 2019
David Headley
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County is expected to surrender operational control of Fire Station 8 off Monument Road to Pickens County this month, once a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) is ratified by the two governments.
Under the current IGA, Dawson County has operated the station located in the remote Wildcat Community, parts of which are in both counties. But Dawson County came under heavy criticism from area residents who complained the county was slow to respond when a home on Burnt Mountain Road burned to the ground last November.
During a subsequent town hall meeting angry homeowners grilled Dawson County Manager David Headley and Fire and Emergency Services Chief Danny Thompson about why Fire Station 8 was not notified since they are the closest station to the fire.
Danny Thompson
Thompson blamed the oversight on the Dawson computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. But he explained that even if the station had been notified, the home could not have been saved because the support volunteers are not certified by the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council to suppress fires. Without that certification their response is limited to laying hose and preparing for the arrival of certified firefighters.
Thompson, who was hired to replace Lanier Swafford in May, said he did not learn right away the support volunteers at Fire Station 8 had been putting out fires against state regulations and that he had been working to rectify the situation.
In December, he directed the volunteers to attend mandatory training provided by Dawson County so they could obtain certification. But 12 of the 13 volunteers refused to obey the order.
Lt. John Tarantini, who supervised Station 8, said he and his men preferred to attend training by Pickens County instead. Thompson said that was unacceptable and would violate the original IGA.
Thompson called Tarantini to his office in order to demote him to support staff but Tarantini resigned and all but one of the volunteers also resigned, leaving the station unmanned.
Since then, Dawson County Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond and Pickens County Chairman Rob Jones along with Thompson and the Pickens County Fire Chief have been meeting to draft a new IGA.
Under the proposed new agreement, Pickens will take over operational control of the station and become responsible for training and equipping the volunteers and providing workers compensation insurance. Pickens also will continue to provide insurance for the building and contents of the station.
Dawson County will transfer title of the fire engine and other contents of the station to Pickens which will insure both the engine and tender. Existing hoses and equipment will remain at the station.
Both counties will continue to utilize the station to provide automatic aid to adjoining areas under the Dawson/Pickens County Automatic Aid Agreement.
Dawson County Board of Commissioners could ratify the agreement at the Jan. 17 meeting.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC meets in special called session Thursday
News December 4, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will meet in a special called session/public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 6) in the Government Center Assembly Room. That meeting will be followed at 6 p.m. by a regular voting session.
The county is required to hold a public hearing to meet the requirements for acceptance of a $750,000 community development block grant (CDBG) to assist with the construction of the new Margie Weaver Senior Center on Recreation Road. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program.
During the 6 p.m. voting session, the sheriff’s office will seek ratification of a request to apply for $112,204 in grant funding for the 2019 North Georgia K9 Task Force. Dawson County has received this funding in the past.
The Fire/EMS is also asking approval to accept a Georgia Emergency Management Agency K9 Grant Fund in the amount of $14,000 with no matching funds required. The department has received this grant for several years. It runs from Oct. 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019.
Danny Thompson was appointed as the interim EMA director in July 2018 and provided 90 days by the Board of Commissioners to obtain his Certified Emergency Manager credentials. Thompson has received that certification and is asking the Board to appoint him as EMA Director.
The Dawson County Fleet Maintenance Department performs repairs and maintenance on the Public Works’ Road Department’s equipment that are capable of being completed in-house. Other work is outsourced for performance. An IFB was released on Oct. 25 for the aforementioned service. Two bids were received on Nov. 9. The lowest, most responsive bid was offered by Townley Construction.
Legacy Link receives an increase or decrease in funding during the contract year that changes the original contract amounts. The organization is asking for an addendum that makes the following change: includes an additional $16,258 for respite care to be used during the last six months of the FY 2019 contract (January-June 2019).
Commissioners are expected to vote on ratification of the FY 2020 Georgia Department of Transportation / Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 Transit Contract for providing public transportation for Dawson County citizens. Grant will continue to pay a 50 percent match with federal and state funding for administrative and operating budget.
The Board will also choose its representative on the Development Authority of Dawson County.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Wildcat Community residents hold townhall meeting to addresses fire protection concerns
News November 19, 2018
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Nearly 100 residents of the Wildcat Community — a group of several small housing developments located in an isolated, mountainous section on the Dawson/Pickens county line — gathered inside Fire Station 8 Saturday morning to ask questions about fire protection for the community.
Two weeks before the meeting, a home on Burnt Mountain Ridge Road was destroyed by fire and community residents, some of them angry, spent nearly two hours grilling Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson and County Manager David Headley about fire protection for their community. County Commissioner Sharon Fausett, who represents the district, was also on hand as was Pickens County Commission Chairman Rob Jones.
The meeting was organized by Clayton Preble, president of the Wildcat Community, John Tarantini, a volunteer firefighter at Fire Station 8. The questions they wanted answers to were: Why did it take so long for Fire Station 8 to respond to the fire on Burnt Mountain Ridge Road, why was Fire Station 8 not dispatched promptly since it is only 2.5 miles from the fire and what became of the water tank the organizers say Dawson County promised to provide.
Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson responds to questions Saturday.
Thompson explained that due to a flaw in Dawson County’s aging computer aided dispatch system (CAD) — which the county is in the process of replacing — the initial 9-1-1 call bypassed Fire Station 8 and went to stations 6, 4 and 1, the closest of which is located in nearby Big Canoe.
The initial call was received at 8:04 a.m. and, according to CAD data, the first firetruck on the scene arrived at 8:28 a.m.
Thompson pointed out that while Fire Station 8 did not receive the 9-1-1 Tarantini had monitored the call and was aware of the fire 2.5 miles away. He was free to self-report to the scene,” Thompson said. But he also noted that Fire Station 8 is manned by volunteers and is not authorized to engage in fire suppression activities. Their sole responsibility is to lay hose lines and prepare the scene for arriving certified firefighters. Therefore, he said, there is no chance they could have saved the home.
For 90 minutes, Thompson, who only joined the Dawson County Emergency Services in May 2018, patiently and fully answered every question.
Then came the question that Headley said was the real reason for the meeting. That question: What happened to the water tank Dawson County promised?”
There is a water tank located at Fire Station 8, but it holds only 45,000 gallons of water and once it is drained takes several days to refill.
In a slide presentation prepared by Preble, he asserts, “It was agreed that Dawson County would provide a tank and move it and Pickens County would construct the foundation. There was a firm agreement that each party would do their part.”
Preble further asserts that Pickens County has constructed a concrete slab as the foundation for the tank at a cost of approximately $20,000 and the Wildcat Community has reimbursed Pickens County about $12,500. Now, he said, the ball is in Dawson County’s court.
Headley said Dawson and Pickens County officials and representatives from Wildcat Community have engaged in informal discussions about an additional tank but he strongly disagrees there was ever a “firm agreement.” Any agreement, he points out, would have to be approved by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and that has not happened.
Headley said when the talks began, a tank was located and former Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford estimated moving the tank would cost approximately $10,000. Since then, however, county officials have learned the cost could be anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 if a contractor could be located. Headley said the county advertised invitations to bid (IFB) and no bids were received.
Headley said the whole purpose of Saturday’s meeting was to “ambush” Dawson County officials and pressure them into providing a water tank for the community. “We wanted to hold the meeting here at the Senior Center but they said no. We wanted to set the agenda but they said no.”
Headley said he understands the community’s concern and wants to but feels the cost has to be equally shared by all parties.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Commissioners reappoint Headley county manager
News October 24, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – David Headley was hired as Dawson County Manager two years ago. Thursday, the Board of Commissioners showed their appreciation for the way he has managed the day-to-day operation of the county by unanimously reappointing him for another year.
Dawson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Billy Thurmond said, “David has done a good job. He’s shown good leadership skills and he has the staff working together and going in the right direction. We’re proud of the way he has taken care of the county’s business.”
As county manager, Headley supervises nine department directors and more than 200 county employees, implements board policies and assists the chairman with annual budget preparations.
“If you were to ask me what our biggest accomplishments were in the last two years, or what I’m most proud of, it would be the people we have hired,” Headley said.
He has demonstrated the ability to identify highly-experienced, highly-qualified individuals to serve citizens.
When Lanier Swafford resigned as Public Safety Director, Headley hired Danny Thompson, a veteran firefighter with 29 years fire and emergency services experience along with 26 years’ experience as a paramedic.
Thompson also is a Certified Emergency Manager who has commanded in high rise fire situations and received the 300 Club of Atlanta award for life-saving efforts while serving with the Sandy Springs Fire Department.
He also hired Planning and Development Director Jameson Kinley who has a number of unique qualifications, including a specialized background in Geographic Information Science.
Kinley has worked closely with the planning department the last two years and has the ability to take Dawson County to the next level with technology. Headley said Kinley will use his GIS skills to analyze data and help give the Board of Commissioners and committees more updated and accurate information so that better decisions can be made for the citizens.
Headley also hired Matt Payne, who has nearly a quarter century of experience in parks and recreation operations, to be Dawson County’s Parks and Recreation Director.
From 1995 until 1999, he served as athletic director for the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department. After that, he worked as athletic director for the City of Cumming, where he was responsible for all aspects of athletic programming and maintenance and operations of the city swimming pool.
“There is an old quote that says, if you want to run fast you run alone. But if you want to run far you run together,” Headley said. “Our employees are running together and that should make the citizens feel good about the way things are being run.”
From an operational standpoint, Headley said, “The county has made big strides as far as how open the budget process has become. In the past, when department heads presented their annual budget requests, they made them to the chairman and county manager. But for the past two years, all commissioners and citizens have been welcome to attend.
“In the past, that has been pretty much a closed-door process,” he said. “Commissioners have not been involved in it. The chairman met with the department heads and he determined what needed to go forward. He presented the budget and they voted on it. But, we have opened the door to communications we never had before.”
Headley has 28 years of county government experience with 16 of those years in county government management. Most recently, he served as the Dawsonville City Manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife, Sandy, and their two daughters reside in Cumming.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com