Emergency management in Dawson County was recognized last week as the best in the state by the Emergency Management Association of Georgia.

In addition to Dawson County Emergency Services being named Emergency Management Agency of the Year, Billy Thurmond was selected EMA Director of the Year for 2012.

"It is always an honor to receive an award that is voted on by your peers in a profession. I will say that I was surprised and humbled to receive this award. There are a lot of excellent EMA Directors in Georgia," Thurmond said.

Though, Thurmond said accepting the top agency on behalf of his staff and the Dawson County citizens was even more rewarding.

"A well prepared EMA agency works hand in hand with a lot of different partners. The assistance and cooperation we receive from the board of commissioners, county departments and private sector allow this agency to be prepared to serve our citizens," he said. "All of our partners we would like to thank and we share this award with them."

The Emergency Management Association of Georgia assists members in their efforts to save lives and protect property from the effects of disasters, provides a forum for professionals to discuss current issues in the emergency management field and serves as a policy advisory board both to local emergency management agencies and to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.