Each year, the Governor’s Office of Public Safety awards individuals for their commitment to the profession.

On Nov. 12, Dawson County Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond will become the first from the county to receive the Governor’s Public Safety Award.

“It’s an honor to be selected. There’s a lot of other people throughout the state that are as deserving and do a lot of good,” Thurmond said Monday.

The award, which pays tribute to men and women whose job performance had an overwhelming positive affect on the overall profession, will be presented at a ceremony held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in the city of Forsyth.

Thurmond began his career with Dawson County in 1978 with the parks and recreation department. He also worked in the tax commissioner’s office and with dispatch during his first year.

Two years later, he joined emergency services, where he has remained for three decades, climbing the ranks from EMT, to paramedic, to director of emergency medical services and most recently director of emergency services, while also serving as director of emergency management. 

County Manager Kevin Tanner said the county staff is extremely proud of Thurmond’s accomplishments.

“Those of us that have had the privilege of working with Billy for many years already know what a great asset to the profession he is,” Tanner said. “Now we’re thankful that the entire state has recognized it.”

Thurmond said the award is one the entire county can celebrate.

“It takes a lot of support, and I get a lot of support from my staff, from the county and from the board of commissioners,” he said.

“It takes everyone working together to be successful, and I think we are successful because we work together,” he added.