Six people injured in crash on Hwy. 53 Thursday
News June 21, 2018
DAWSONVILLE Ga.—Georgia State Patrol is investigating a two vehicle accident that injured six people today at approximately 5:30 p.m. The accident took place near Dell Conner Construction and Buddy Burt Road.
Dawson County Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson said six patients were injured and all are in critical condition.
Thompson said one person was life flighted to Grady Memorial Hospital and a child was taken to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta Scottish Rite.
Hwy. 53 remained closed for almost two hours.
Fetch Your News will have more details as they become available.
Chief Danny Thompson welcomes 11 C.E.R.T. graduates
News November 14, 2019
Chief Danny Thompson
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Eleven Dawson County citizens willing to step forward to render aid to their neighbors during times of a disaster graduated from Community Emergency Response Training Tuesday evening.
Amy Crane, Chris Dewalt, Brittni Faulkenburg, Stephanie Fedoruk, William Goode, Ryan Jacobs, Alex Kinney, April Ketels, Dave Lenhardt, Mike Maciolek and Irene Voyles were honored in a graduation ceremony at Fire Station 2.
Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson addressed the graduates saying:
“We really hope we never have to use the C.E.R.T. team. It’s really one of those things you hope to teach, hope to prepare as a community but never have that natural disaster that requires us to rely upon our citizens to help us.
But here in emergency services, we 14 people every day so you take a simple tornado that touches down in a neighborhood and our resources are taxed at that moment. So we need to be self-sustaining. To be able to be self-sustaining, we need to rely on the citizens to be that transport element. You may be transporting sick or injured people that we just can’t get to. You may be effective going in and rescuing people, using these skills you have learned.
“You’ve shown an initiative to come in , participate over many weeks of classroom training to give back to your community and this is just a way for us in Emergency Services and the Fire Department to say thank you.”
C.E.R.T. Trainer Charley Hobgood encouraged graduates to “take the training you received back to your family. You’re going to make your families more strong, more prepared for whatever can go wrong, whatever disaster can happen. Share it with everybody you know in your community. Go to your HOAs, your churches. Work wherever you can to help other people get ready.”
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
Victim, suspect in shooting at fire station 7 are identified
Business July 30, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – At a morning press conference today (July 30), Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson identified the victim of last night’s shooting as Amy Alexandria Gibson, 44, of Dawsonville. Gibson was shot by her estranged husband Jeremy Wade Gibson in front of Dawson County Fire Station No. 7 on Dawson Forest Road.
Johnson said the victim made a rather “frantic” call to 911 at approximately 7:36 p.m. before the line went blank.
Jeremy Gibson (left) has been identified as the person who shot his wife Amy Alexandria Gibson Monday.
Gibson was fleeing from her husband and apparently drove to the fire station seeking a safe haven. Her husband reportedly followed her in a second vehicle and before she could exit the vehicle, she was shot several times and died at the scene. Her two children, ages 8 and 5 were in her vehicle at the time, but were unharmed.
After the shooting, Jeremy Gibson surrendered to firefighters who held him until deputies arrived and took him into custody.
Johnson said there has been a “lengthy” history of domestic violence between the couple, but he declined to provide details.
Fire and Emergency Services Chief Danny Thompson said one firefighter and his family witnessed the shooting.
“One of the firefighters was confronted by a female that requested help. He just assumed like many people who arrive at a fire station to report a fire or medical emergency. He stepped back to notify his partner then stepped back out when the shooting occurred.”
Thompson declined to name the firefighter who witnessed the shooting out of respect for him and his family. “We want to make sure they get the necessary mental help to take care of them. Even though we’re professionals, it is still a tragic event. It even weighs heavy on the seasoned veterans.”
Thompson said the firefighter, his wife, their two children, ages 1 and 3 actually witnessed the shooting. He also pointed out that their lives were in immediate danger. “Front and center in a matter of seconds, it was their lives, his family’s lives they were looking after. They took the necessary actions and precautions to do exactly that.”
The victim’s children were turned over to the Department of Family and Children’s Services.
District Attorney Lee Darragh said his office will proceed with the appropriate warrants soon.
“Certainly there will be a murder charge, some firearms charges, cruelty to children because of the witnessing of this event by the children.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was involved in processing the crime scene.
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 County EMS staffing reaches crisis stage
News June 23, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson made a heartfelt and emotional plea for a pay raise on behalf of the men and women of his department during Thursday’s Board of Commissioners work session.
Thompson said the attrition rate in emergency services is nearing a “crisis situation” with 11 percent of the employees leaving to work at other fire departments or to go into the private sector. “That is two-and-a-half times the national average, he said.
“In exit interviews, we’ve learned that a lot of them love working in Dawson County. The big reason for the exodus is money. Right now, there are 11 fire departments within 30 miles of this county that pay between $10,000 and $16,000 more.”
Thompson presented three options to commissioners for a potential salary increase.
When asked by Commissioner Sharon Fausett which option worked best for his department, he answered Option A – a 10 percent across-the-board increase for all personnel.
Dozens of firefighters/EMTs sat in the audience as Thompson spoke
“These men and women sitting back here tonight love this county. They love its residents. They’re willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. But, I need your help,” he said.
“Bottom line is I need you to stand up for these men and women. Don’t turn your back on them because tonight, if you need them, they’re going to be there for you no matter what decision you make. I’m troubled as you can tell. I’m tired of looking at these men and women knowing they’re living paycheck to paycheck. It’s sad and it’s got to stop. It starts with you guys.”
While Thompson said the situation is nearing the crisis state, Chairman Billy Thurmond, who used to manage the same department said, “I can tell you, having run this department that 11 vacancies is a crisis today. That is not a crisis tomorrow.”
Agenda items discussed during work sessions are generally voted on at the next regular 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
UPDATE: Friday fire on Carlisle Rd. beleived to be arson
News April 29, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services (DCFES) responded to a storage building belonging to Alberta Carlisle at 865 Carlisle Road Friday (April 26).
On arrival, Battalion 1, found a 20×20 outbuilding fully involved, with no exposures. Engine Companies 2 and 7 extinguished the fire using a single 1.75” attack line. The fire was rapidly extinguished and the area was overhauled.
Dawson County EMA Director/Fire Chief Danny Thompson said the fire is suspicious and a Monday press release from the State Fire Marshal’s Office indicated the fire is being investigated by his office, Dawson County EMS, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Dawson County Sheriff Office.
No injuries to civilians or fire service personnel were reported.
Safety Fire Commissioner Jim Beck is asking anyone with knowledge about this fire to call the Arson Hotline at 1‐800‐282‐5804. Rewards are offered of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist(s).
Calls are taken 24 hours a day and callers can choose to remain anonymous.
(Photos taken by Dawson County Fire & EMS)
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
County officials break ground for Fire Station 8
News September 20, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
Representatives from the architecture firm Clark Patterson Lee, general contractor CT Darnell, Dawson County Emergency Services, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and Dawson County Administration gathered at the site of the future Dawson County Fire Station 8 to hold an official “Ground Breaking” ceremony. The site is on Sweetwater-Juno Road near the intersection of Reagan Rd.
Fire Chief Danny Thompson welcomed all in attendance and spoke of the importance of the new station. He explained how response times and insurance ratings will be greatly reduced with the addition of the new station. Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond also addressed the crowd. He stated that this station will bring a level of emergency response to this area of county that most of the rest of the county has been accustomed to for years.
Due to parking constraints the “Ground Breaking” ceremony was not open to the public. However, Chief Thompson stresses that once the new building is complete the public will be welcome to attend a “Grand Opening” ceremony and tour the community’s newest public safety facility.
Firefighters battle blaze on Bannister Road
News June 24, 2019
Press Release
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Fire & Emergency Services (DCFES) responded to a reported structure fire at 85 Bannister Rd. Crews at approximately 5:43 a.m. today where they battled blistering summertime heat and arrived to find a two story, 2000 sq/ft structure with heavy fire showing.
Personnel deployed multiple handlines and began an interior attack on the fire. Several vehicles and lawn equipment were involved in the fire.
Crews from Forsyth County responded and provided assistance due to the extreme temperature. The homeowner advised crews that all occupants had exited the building prior to fire department arrival. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported on this scene.
“We are very glad there were no injuries from the fire or due to the heat,” stated Chief Thompson.
This incident is being investigated by Dawson County Fire Marshal’s office. The cause is still under investigation but appears to have started in a lawn mower. The structure has been turned over to the homeowner.
Photos were taken by Dawson County Fire & EMS.
For more information, please contact Chief Danny Thompson 678-410-1738
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 will register opposition to two bills in General Assembly that would ban local government regulation of building standards
News March 6, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will join a growing number of local governments all across Georgia in opposing two bills now being considered in the General Assembly that prohibits them from regulating design standards on one- and two-family homes in their communities.
The Board will vote on a resolution opposing Georgia House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172 during Thursday’s voting session which starts at 6 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room.
The bills are being promoted by developers and homebuilders. But opponents like Larry Hanson of the Georgia Municipal Association say the bills strip local residents of the right to govern themselves.
Commissioners are also expected to vote on acceptance of several grants, including Violence Against Women Act Grant, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council K9 Grant, Council of Accountability Court Judges / Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Enhancement Grant for Dawson County Treatment Court and Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant
In other business, the Board will consider:
- Awarding a contract for design-build services for Fleet/Public Works complex to Charles Black Construction in the amount of $3,289,777;
- A request by Emergency Services Director/ Fire Chief Danny Thompson to purchase two fire trucks from Ten-8 Fire and Safety Equipment Co. in the amount of $1,301,038.
- Approval of mobile device tablets for Emergency Services;
- Approval of Board of Commissioners’ expenses;
- Adoption of Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan;
- Annexation request os Dan S. and Vanita Anderson.
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
Battalion Chief Dooley named Fire Officer of the Year
News December 18, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Fire & Emergency Services hosted its annual awards banquet at Amicalola Lodge Friday.
Department Director Danny Thompson said, “This year was a very exciting year for the department and I am very proud of this year’s award recipients.”
Fire Officer of the Year was awarded to Battalion Chief Jason Dooley. Dooley is assigned to C-Shift but assists the department as the Deputy EMA Director. He deployed to south Georgia to assist after Hurricane Michael ravaged the state. “His dedication and commitment to the citizens of Dawson County is unparalleled,” Thompson said.
Tim Cameron received the Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year award. “Firefighter Cameron is one of the best Fire/Medics I have ever had the privilege to work with in my career,” Thompson said. “His positive attitude is contagious and he is highly respected among his peers.”
The Firefighter/EMT of the Year award went to Matt Harbin. Harbin is assigned to the Georgia Body Recover Team as a K-9 handler and has had numerous deployments over this year. “Harbin spent almost seven days in Mexico City Beach, Florida after Hurricane Michael,” Thompson said. “He has responded across the State of Georgia for missing person searches as well for searches here in Dawson County.”
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Randy Edwards. “Edwards offers back to his community over 48 hours a month,” said Thompson. “Once a week he rides a 12-hour shift with our personnel and provides excellent customer service.”
All award winners will be available for photos and interviews at Fire Station 1 Friday at 1 p.m.
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
DCEMS, DCHS and KARE for Kids team up to provide bright Christmas for underprivileged children
News December 8, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County emergency services personnel went above and beyond their normal life-saving call of duty Friday, by partnering with KARE for Kids and Dawson County High School’s Community Based Instruction (CBI) program for an annual shopping event that will brighten the Christmas holiday for underprivileged children.
The kids, excited and eager to begin their shopping spree met their sponsors at 10 a.m. inside Walmart before heading off in all directions.
“This event really allows us to focus on teaching the value of volunteering to assist our community,” said Chris Archer, Lieutenant of Fire Prevention.
Shopping with KARE for Kids also provides an opportunity for all three of these groups to continue to grow and to reach the community on multiple levels.
This is the second time Emergency Services and the CBI have teamed up for this event. Last Christmas KARE for Kids provided Christmas to 500 kids.
“Christmas shopping with these children allows us an opportunity to continue to give back to our community,” said Danny Thompson, Fire Chief at Dawson County Emergency Services.
Jeff Bailey, Division Chief Fire Marshal at Dawson County Emergency Services added, “The students in the CBI program are really committed to ensuring they are shopping for what the sponsored child wanted and this is a great opportunity for both of us to learn.”
Both Dawson County Emergency Services and Dawson County High School Community Based Instruction’s (CBI) commitment to this annual event with Kare for Kids is fueled by a desire to serve their community.
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
Neighbor helps save family from house fire
Business, News November 27, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — A Dawson County man helped his neighbors escape from a burning home Saturday.
Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson said “Ken Goines assisted the family of three in getting out of the house safely before firefighters arrived. This is a courageous act by Mr. Goines, for placing himself in harms way to ensure the safety of others.”
DCFES units responded at 109 Richmond Drive and upon arrival of Engine and Med 1, they encountered a single-family dwelling with heavy flames showing from the garage area. Personnel immediately initiated fire suppression operations to control the fire.
Other arriving units began a search and rescue operation to ensure all occupants were out of the structure and to locate missing family pets. Dawson County personnel were able to locate and rescue seven felines from the structure.
The incident is being investigated by Dawson County Fire Marshall’s office. The cause is undetermined, pending further investigation. No injuries to civilians or fire service personnel were noted. All rescued pets were transported to Dawsonville Animal Hospital.
(Photo taken by Lt. Chris Archer, Dawson County Fire & EMS.)
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
GDOT officials answer questions about roundabout planned for Dawson Forest Rd. and State Route 9
News May 16, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Those who attended the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) public information session at Riverview Elementary School Tuesday came away with a better understanding of the purpose of the proposed double roundabouts at the intersection of State Route 9 and Dawson Forest Road.
GDOT officials were on hand to answer questions and listen to suggestions. They also handed out packets that contained a comment card so additional comments could submitted.
Those who could not attend the meeting can still provide comments online until May 30 at www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Public/PublicOutreach. Additionally, questions can be directed to Heidi Schneider at HSchneider@dit,ga.gov or by calling 68-518-3677.
GDOT officials say the purpose of the project is to enhance traffic operations and reduce crash frequency. It is based on a feasibility study that determined two, single-lane roundabouts are the most favorable intersection control alternative.
The total length of the project is approximately six tenths of a mile. The two roundabouts will be constructed independent of each other. They would consist of 140-foot diameter, 20-foot circulating lane, a 15-foot wide truck apron and 70-foot diameter center island. Curb and gutter would be installed along the outside of the roundabouts with a mountable curb along the inside for the truck apron.
The project is approximately one-quarter mile from Riverview Elementary and 700-feet from Dawson County Fire Station 7.
Northeast District Communications Director Katie Strickland said the project will be let in July 2019 and is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
County Commissioners Julie Nix attended the meeting and said she enthusiastically supports the project.
“I’m excited about it. This will make it so much safer for everyone. Riverview was built in 2010 and we started hearing from parents of students in 2011 about how dangerous that intersection is. It has taken a long time to move it forward, but when (State Rep.) Kevin Tanner was elected, he was able to get the project fast tracked.”
Fire Chief/EMA Director Danny Thompson said he supports the project but does have some concern about the congestion that could be created in front of the fire station in the morning when school buses and parents are dropping off students at Riverview and in the afternoon when they pick them up.
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