Dawson County’s own Tim Satterfield is among a distinguished few first responders across Georgia’s Ninth District to be honored by Congressman Doug Collins. He was recognized during the Dawson County Republican Party meeting on Sept. 19 and was selected for the honor by the local GOP.
Satterfield is a 41-year fire service veteran and currently serves as deputy chief of Dawson County Emergency Services.
“First responders represent some of the most selfless and skillful public servants I know,” said Collins. “As the son of a Georgia State Trooper, I have seen their commitment to their neighbors throughout my life, and Deputy Chief Satterfield is an example of humble service. I’m grateful that northeast Georgia is home to such brave first responders.”
District 9 of the Georgia Republican Party asked each of the 20 counties in the district to recommend someone who has gone above and beyond in their careers to help citizens in and around their communities to be recognized as their “hero.”
“In asking various people in our county who we should consider for such an award, the name of Tim Satterfield came to the top and, of course, Chief Lanier Swafford wholeheartedly endorsed Tim as a recipient,” said Dawson County Republican Party Chairman Bill Minor. “We in Dawson County were honored to have Mr. Bill Kokaly, representing Congressman Doug Collins, present this Hero award to Deputy Chief Satterfield. It was certainly well deserved.”
“Tim has risked his life and put himself in harm’s way so that others may live,” said Dawson County Manager David Headley. “He has minimized pain for others and given them comfort in their time of need. Knowing Chief Satterfield both on the job and in his personal life, his hand is always stretched out to serve others. He is someone who has given his life to something other than himself and truly is a hero.”
Satterfield, who noted he was both surprised and humbled by the honor, began his fire service career with Clayton County in 1976. He also worked for the city of McDonough and the city of Clearwater, Fla. before coming on board with Dawson County in May 2005.
Satterfield specializes in canine search and rescue and has taken part in more than 250 state and federal-level missions. These include water search, arson, bomb disaster search and work with missing and abducted children. He is the state coordinator for the urban search and rescue team and was one of the first of 12 teams in the U.S. certified in child abduction response. His K9 unit received the Marguerite Brock Rescue Award from the Emergency Management Association of Georgia.
“Chief Satterfield is a great leader and a respected leader in our profession,” said Swafford. “Whether in terms of operations, codes or K9s, Chief Satterfield is well known and respected across Georgia. It is a pleasure to work with him on a daily basis, and I appreciate all he does for our department and our community.”
Pichon also recognized
In addition, another Dawson County leader was recognized during the meeting.
Gary Pichon, a member of the county’s Long Range Planning Committee and former county commissioner, was presented a copy of the Congressional Record – an official copy of a speech recently given by Collins on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Pichon’s 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the U.S.
Pichon also was given the Record Certificate of the speech.