White County firefighters recognized for heroic life-saving efforts
Business, News May 10, 2022
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Public Safety Director David Murphy said Monday that he wants to make sure the community recognizes what valuable assets their firefighters are. Monday, he recognized six who were credited with saving two lives
Among those honored were Steve Hopper, Tommy Steen, and AJ Staton. The men responded with Rescue 4 on April 28 to Tommy Cowart Road south of Cleveland for an overdose call where the individual was in cardiac arrest.
They initiated CPR and administered Narcan, which resulted in that person eventually regaining consciousness and preventing loss of life, Murphy said.
Firefighters Austin Brown, Jackson Cantrell, and Shad Sosebee were recognized for their actions when responding with Rescue 2 to a gunshot call on Leatherford Road on October 8.
The men applied a tourniquet to a victim who had a gunshot wound to the leg, stopping the loss of blood, and saving a life. “Your dedication and genuine concern for the welfare of others is admirable and inevitably appreciated by all. You are an exceptional asset to White County Fire Services, and we are fortunate to have you serving the citizens and visitors to our community.”
Each man received a certificate and letter of commendation for their heroic and lifesaving actions.
White County firefighters graduate to become Emergency Medical Responders
Press Release April 8, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga.– Firefighters from White County graduated April 7th, as the county’s newest Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). Emergency Medical Responders provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system.
EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response system.
All personnel passed the final written and practical exams with an average grade point of: 87 with the lowest grade being 84 and the highest of 93. Those attending and certifying as EMR’s are: Austin Barnett, Full Time FF Sta 2, Jackson Cantrell, Full Time FF Sta 2, Linda Crossman, Volunteer FF Sta 3, Jordan LeFevre, Part-time FF, Mason Long, Volunteer FF Sta 5, Cole Sheriff, Volunteer FF Sta 4, Alex Staton, Volunteer FF Sta 7, and Steven Seabolt, Volunteer FF Sta 2.
“It certainly is beneficial for our training team to consist of a Firefighter/Paramedics and seasoned personnel that bring this training to a level that is just shy of a basic Emergency Medical Technician,” stated Chief Seth Weaver.
“We are proud of our team, and these individuals for achieving this valuable certification for our community and those we serve”.
Lanier Swafford, Training Officer/FF/Paramedic, Shad Sosebee, FF/Paramedic and Capt. Josh Taylor FF/EMTB were the instructors for this course.
*Picture by FF Mike LeFevre
** Pictured left to right — Chief Seth Weaver, Training Officer Lanier Swafford, Captain Josh Taylor, FF Jordan LeFevre, FF Jackson Cantrell, VFF Linda Crossman, VFF Alex Staton, VFF Cole Sheriff, VFF Mason Long, FF Shad Sosebee, and Director David Murphy. (Not pictured, FF Austin Barnett, and VFF Steven Seabolt.)
Residents evacuated following propane leak
News, Press Release August 11, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County 911 received a call at 12:56 p.m. Monday (Aug. 10) advising of a gas leak at 690 Holiness Campground Rd. Firefighters from Fire Stations 2 and 4 responded along with White County EMS and White County Sheriff’s Department.
Mutual aid was requested from Hall County Fire Station 2 and Hall County Hazmat team. Approximately 2,800 gallons of liquid propane leaked from a broken valve on a delivery truck.
Residents were advised via the CodeRed emergency alert system to evacuate the area and a shelter was established at the Park & Rec Department on Asbestos Rd. Firefighters went door to door and assisted residents in the immediate area to evacuate. Several roads in the area closed including Holiness Campground
The Hall County Hazmat team was canceled as the leak was contained before their arrival. Firefighters cleared the scene at 3:12 pm and residents were advised they could return to their homes.
Firefighters kept busy during first weekend in August
News August 3, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County firefighters were kept bus during the first weekend in August responding to vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and other incidents, three notable calls were handled by the department.
On Friday July 31 st , at approximately 5:45PM, units were dispatched to a mountain/wilderness rescue at the Raven Cliffs Trailhead. A male patient with a possible leg fracture need medical assistance and was approximately 1.5 miles up the trail. Firefighters with the City of Helen, County Station 3 and Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute fire brigade were dispatched along with EMS. The patient was extricated and transported for treatment within approximately two hours.
On Sunday, Aug. 2 , units from County Station 3, and EMS responded to Yonah Mountain Trailhead. A male patient with an apparent leg injury needed medical assistance. Personnel made contact and assisted patient from the trail. No medical transport was required. Units were back in service within two hours.
Sunday night, thunderstorms rolled through White County. An apparent lightning strike occurred to a residence at 362 Hardwood Drive. At approximately, 9:30 p.m. units were dispatched to an odor of smoke inside the residence. Cleveland City Fire, County Stations 4 and 2 responded to the incident.
Upon arrival units checked the residence and no fire was found. All units returned to service.
Fire, explosion destroys Legacy Wood Products
News February 20, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Wednesday evening at approximately 11:15 p.m.White County firefighters with automatic aid from the City of Cleveland and Lee Arrendale Fire Brigade (L.A.C.I.), responded to a commercial fire at Legacy Wood Products, formerly known as Mount Yonah Lumber, located at 1605 Helen Highway.
On scene, firefighters found a fully involved fire of a 40 x 40 x 20 foot high metal building that was filled to the roof with firewood being processed (the company processes firewood to be sold by kiln drying it). The origin of the fire was determined to be the kiln itself that was full of firewood which caused explosions resulting in the metal roof and other portions of the building to “blow off”. There was approximately 36 cords of wood in the kiln.
Firefighters were on scene for about eight hours. No injuries were reported, and the fire is believed to be a mechanical failure. White County CERT REHAB responded to assist fire personnel.