Dawson County Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond was honored Friday by Gov. Sonny Perdue with a Georgia Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution which enhanced the profession.  

The accolade is reserved for an individual whose job performance has had an overwhelming positive effect on the overall profession.

In a ceremony held in Forsyth, Ga., Thurmond was among 20 public safety professionals recognized for acts of heroism and professional contributions. 

“Georgia is proud to recognize our brave law enforcement officers and emergency responders for their commitment to keeping our citizens safe,” Perdue said. “The courage and dedication of these Georgians are on display every day and they have earned our appreciation.”

Each recipient received a medallion and their names were added to the Georgia Public Service Safety monument located at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Dawson County Commission Chair Mike Berg said Thurmond was well deserving of the award.

“Billy has a long history of service to this county and we are so pleased to have someone of his caliber,” Berg said.

Thurmond began his career with Dawson County Emergency Services in 1980 and climbed the ranks to director in 1987.

Under his leadership, Dawson County EMS was awarded Georgia EMS Service of the Year in 2000.

“I consider it an honor to have been selected among all of the deserving individuals in this profession,” Thurmond said. “I have been blessed to have the support that I receive from everyone in the department and the county. Everyone working together as a team makes this type of award possible.”

Thurmond is a member of Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association, Georgia State Firefighters Association, Emergency Management Association of Georgia and the Georgia Coroner’s Association, among others.

He has also served as deputy coroner since 1997, as well as in numerous other capacities throughout the years.