Dawson County Emergency Services/Fire Chief Lanier Swafford was recently named to the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council.

Swafford is one of two appointments to the council by House Speaker David Ralston of Blue Ridge.

“It’s not everyday the Speaker of the House calls you on your personal cell phone and asks you to serve on a board,” said Swafford. “This is a real honor. I just appreciate the confidence he has in me.”

The council administers rules and regulations for firefighters and fire houses in the state.

In addition to his duties as chief, Swafford currently serves as EMS director, Emergency Management deputy director and deputy coroner for Dawson County.

A graduate of Lanier Technical College with an associates degree in health studies and fire science, Swafford is also a certified EMT and paramedic.

In 2009, he received the Master Emergency Manager Award from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and is currently serving as the 1st vice president of the Georgia State Firefighter’s Association, vice chair of the Area 6 All Hazards Council and is a member of the Region II EMS Advisory Council.