Dawson County residents mourned the loss of a longtime local firefighter last week.

George S. Pugh, 85, of Dawsonville died Friday following a period of declining health.

A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Pugh was one of the chiefs and founding members of the volunteer fire department.

Pugh’s funeral was held Monday at Liberty Baptist Church.

Dawson County Emergency Services Fire Chief Lanier Swafford was one of many fellow firefighters in attendance Monday.

“George and his family were very instrumental in the creation of the department,” Swafford said.

Swafford recalled an emotional moment at the funeral service.

“I was at the funeral, and one of the preachers asked how many in the audience had ever fought a fire with George Pugh,” Swafford added. “There was probably 25 in the audience who stood up. He was very involved during his time.”

During his service to the Dawson County Fire Department, Pugh played a large role in creating Fire Station No. 2 in the Liberty community.

Swafford said that Pugh was present in November, when a new and improved fire station no. 2 was dedicated and opened.

In addition, Pugh was the recipient of the 20-year service award and was presented with the Dawson County Emergency Services Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.