Employee Service Awards Equivalent To 380 Years Of Service
During the Troup County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, the third quarter Employee Service Awards were presented. The awards for the third quarter were equivalent to 380 years service from dedicated employees within the Troup County government.
Marion Howington, Captain/ Paramedic-Fire Department, received his 30 year service award. Captain Howington joined the Troup County Fire Department in 1985 and was awarded “Rookie of the Year” following his initial training. He also later was recognized as “Firefighter of the Year.”
He has worked his way up the EMS ladder from the Medical First Responder level through Emergency Medical Technician to become a State Certified Hazardous Materials Technician. Jeb was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2007 and seven years later, was promoted to the rank of Battalion Captain. He is also the Department EMS Coordinator.
Melissa Worthham, E-911 Shift Supervisor- E-911, also received her 30 year service award. Melissa has been employed with Troup County for 30 years. She started at the Troup County Fire Department in 1985. Then in December of 1987 she was transferred to Troup County 911 where she started as a Shift Supervisor. She has continued in that capacity for the last 28 years. Melissa is the wife of Ferrell Worthham, they have been married for 31 years. She has two beautiful daughters, Mirakle and Mikayla Worthham and they are also adopting a young boy, Johndarius Grady, soon to be Johndarius Worthham. Melissa and her husband are the Pastors of word of Faith Ministries here in LaGrange. She has always been one to try and help in some way with her fellow co-workers, with encouraging words and always a good listening ear. Melissa has been a big part of 911 for many years.
There were several members who received their 25 Years Of Service Award.
Russell Creel, Firefighter/ EMT for Fire Department: Rusty joined the Fire Department in 1989 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired on full time in September 1990. He has completed various courses at the Georgia Fire Academy over the past 25 years and currently holds certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate and Hazardous Materials Technician.
He has maintained his GEMA Rescue Specialist Certification and has attended multiple Crash Victim Extrication courses to improve his skills with the “Jaws of Life” and other extrication equipment. He is currently assigned to Station 4 where he helps to maintain the County’s Hazardous Materials Response Equipment.
Dennis Gaddy, Firefighter/ EMT-Fire Department, received his 25 year award. Dennis joined the Fire Department in 1990 and has been an asset to the department for the past 25 years. He holds certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician and Hazardous Materials Technician.
He was recently recognized as Troup County’s “Firefighter of the Year” and continues to perform his duties in a manner that upholds that recognition. He is currently assigned to Station 1 and in addition to his normal duties; he is always willing to help new firefighters assigned there.
Sherry Huckleberry, E-911 Communications Officer, received her 25 year award. Sherry has been with Troup County 911 for the past 25 years. Sherry started with 911 in 1990. Sherry is a communications Officer with 911. Sherry has 2 sons, Steven and Dustin Huckleberry. Steven is married and stationed at Ft. Irwin California with his wife Brittany, they have 2 children, Isabella, 2 years old and Hunter, 2 months old. Sherry has attended Columbus State University where she graduated Monday, December 14th. She received a BA in Sociology. Sherry is a dedicated employee who is willing to help work extra when needed and help ng others when the work-load gets heavy. Sherry is a huge asset to 911.
Chris May, Firefighter/ EMT-Fire Department, received his 25 year award. He started in August of 1990 and received the scholastic award in firefighter rookie school #19. He was certified as a Medical First Responder in 1991 and in 2006 he obtained certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate.
He is also a rescue specialist and is hazmat awareness certified along with other certifications. He is married to Cheryl May and they have three kids, Justin, Cody, and Kayla and has one grandson (Nate). He loves watching Nate ride is 4 wheelers and motorcycles.
Darian O’Neal, Parks Maintenance Worker-Parks and Recreation, received his 25 year award. Darian began his career with Troup County in August of 1990 with the Troup County Fire Department. Darian attended Rookie School in November of 1990 and was trained to be a first responder and rescue specialist. During his time with the fire department, Darian served at Fire Station 4, Station 1, Station 11 in Hogansville, and Station 2 in Hillcrest.
Darain also worked countless medical calls, vehicle accidents, and ice storms. In February 2015, Darian transferred to the Parks and Recreation Commission as a Parks and Recreation Commission as a Parks Maintenance Worker in Hogansville. Darian duties include maintaining the Hogansville Sportsplex, Hendrix Stadium and the Hogansville Gym. During Darian’s 25 years with Troup County, he has been a valuable asset to the County.
Alesia Steele, Records Clerk-Sheriff’s Office, received her 25 year award. Alesia is a dedicated, long term employee. She can always be counted on to complete her work assignments and assist others until the job is finalized. Alesia is a valued asset to the TCSO and will continue to serve the citizens of Troup County with distinction.
Four employees received their 20 Years Of Service Award: Sue Edmondson-Shop Parts Technician, Scott Hester-Sergeant/EMT-Fire Department, Russell Reid-Sergeant/EMT-Fire Department, and Debbie Wade Chief Clerk-Probate Court.
15 Years Of Service: Donald W. Boyd-Probate Judge and Ron N. Yorrick-Work Release Correctional Officer.
10 Years Of Service: Lori A Brewer- Records Admin/ Payroll Clerk, PWC, Leo Cummings-Deputy Sheriff, Thad Hackley-Deputy Sheriff, Kyle Lester-Detention Officer at the jail, Ronnie Person-Deputy Sheriff, Jeff Walker-Corporal-Sheriff’s Office, and Jeffrey Walls-Asphalt Crew Leader-PWC.
The following received five year service awards: Cornelius Rome-Truck Driver, Roads and Eng. and Vivian White – Personal Property Appraisal, Property Appraisal.
Patrick Crews stated, “Congratulations on reaching this important service milestone. The Board of Commissioners is proud to recognize the employees who have reached their service anniversary. You are a valuable member of our team. This small pin ceremony reflects our appreciation for your dedicated years of service and is a symbol of your personal and professional achievements. It is our hope that you will wear, use or display it with pride. People are and always will be our greatest asset. Please know that you are an important member of our team and your abilities and contributions are an important part of Troup County’s ability to serve its citizens. Thank you for all that you do and please accept our good wishes on the anniversary of your employment with the Troup County Government.”
