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2024 Annual Report Dawson County Emergency Services ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- Table of Contents Message From the Chief 05 Organizational Chart/Administration 06 - 07 Apparatus Inventory 08 - 11 Statistics 12 Operations and Training 13 - 16 EMS 17 Fire Safety Division 18 - 24 Logistics 25 EMA 26 Open House 27 Contact Us 28 2024 Mission Statement and Values 04 3 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES ---PAGE BREAK--- MISSION, VISION, VALUES DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 MISSION STATEMENT: Dawson County Emergency Services is committed to the preservation of life and property of the citizens of Dawson County VISION STATEMENT: To become the finest emergency services organization possible, by utilizing and developing our members to their fullest potential, maximizing available resources, and being responsive to the growth of our community and the changing needs of our customers. VALUES PRIDE: The members are our most valued resource and constitute our organizational strength. Each member s proud to be a part of Dawson County Emergency Services and takes pride in all actions on behalf of the department. HONESTY: We acknowledge that truth and trust are the foundations of relationship building and service delivery, and that honesty begins with the individual LOYALITY: We believe that each member shall be loyal to, and speak positively of, fellow members, Departments, citizens, and the community INTEGRITY: We will work hard every day to maintain the highest professional standards and to earn the public trust through our actions PROFESSIONALISM: A commitment to quality delivery of services, possessing a positive attitude, and having pride in your work. KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION/TRAINING: Maintaining and improving knowledge, skills, and abilities in all aspects of Emergency Services is a fundamental value needed to meet the ever-changing demands of the job. The members view continual training and education as an important component of this value COMPASSION: Emergency workers encounter people often times during a highly emotional event. The members recognize the value of having compassion for the individuals they serve 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your Emergency Services Director. As I reflect on the dedication and hard work of our Firefighter EMT’s, Firefighter Paramedics, Fire and Life Safety Personnel, and support staff, I am reminded of the tremendous responsibility we bear in safeguarding the lives, property, and well-being of the citizens of Dawson County. Every day, our team stands ready to respond to emergencies, and I am proud of the professionalism and commitment they demonstrate in doing so. The role of an all-hazard emergency services department goes far beyond responding to fires. We are first responders for medical emergencies, accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. We are here to protect you from the unexpected and to support you during the most challenging times. But just as importantly, we are focused on prevention and education. Education is key to keeping our community safe, and we work tirelessly to raise awareness about fire safety and preparedness. It is essential that we all take proactive steps to reduce risks in our homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. Simple yet effective measures such as ensuring that smoke alarms are working, establishing a fire escape plan, and educating children on fire safety can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Fire safety isn’t just about what happens during a crisis, it begins long before the first alarm sounds. By working together, we can help prevent many emergencies from happening in the first place. In addition to fire prevention, I encourage everyone to be aware of other potential risks, such as home heating safety during the colder months, wildfire preparedness in dry seasons, and water safety around pools, rivers and lakes. A prepared community is a safer community, and we all have a role to play in building that resilience. As your Emergency Services Director, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our department remains at the forefront of innovation and training. The world of firefighting and EMS are constantly evolving, and we continually invest in new technologies, specialized training, and equipment that enable us to respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively. We are also working hard to build relationships with other county departments, local agencies, and community groups, so we can provide the best possible service when it’s needed most. I am incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us and for the support we receive from our community and elected officials. Whether it’s through participating in fire prevention programs, or simply staying informed about safety practices, each of you plays an important role in making our community safer. Your involvement makes a real difference. Looking ahead, I remain focused on ensuring that our fire department is appropriately staffed, and equipped with the resources and training needed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We will continue to adapt and grow in response to community growth and emerging risks, and we will be ready to answer the call when you need us most. Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we can continue to build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community. Sincerely, Troy D. Leist Emergency Services Director MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 TROY LEIST EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 6 Dawson County Emergency Services is committed to the preservation of life and the protection of property for all citizens and visitors of Dawson County. The Emergency Services Department consists of the following divisions: Administration Fire / Rescue Emergency Medical Services Emergency Management Agency Dawson County Emergency Services (DCES) proudly provides service to the residents and visitors of Dawson County, as well as the City of Dawsonville. Our coverage area totals 211 square miles, including Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and over 50 miles of shoreline on Lake Sydney Lanier. Lake Lanier is the most visited Corps of Engineers Lake in the United States, attracting over two million visitors annually. DCFES operates eight fire stations, of which six are staffed by career members, and two are supported by volunteers. Approximately 90 paid and volunteer members of the department respond to approximately 5,600 calls for service annually. Dawson County has been rated as an ISO Class 3 Fire Department. This community rating, also called the Public Protection Class, is determined by the combined scores awarded to the fire and water departments, as well as the 911 center, and enables our residents and businesses to receive lower insurance premiums and superior service. The department was created in 2002 by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners when the fire department, ambulance service, and emergency management agency were consolidated into one department. DCES serves as an aid to the community and is recognized by many local organizations for its expansive involvement in the community. Each year the staff collects funds through boot drives for the Muscular Association, the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation, and KARE for Kids. The agency also participates in a variety of programs with the local school system, career fairs, and offers learning opportunities. • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 7 Fire Chief I EMA Director Troy Leist Division Chief Operations / Training! Johnny Irvin Battalion Chief A J. Mitchell Training Captain Cass IHarrris Battaliion Chief B P. Cloud Admin Asst Tammy Hammond Divison Chief EMS/ Administration Michael Sheuring Logistics/ Deputy EMA Lucas IRa Battalion Chief C J. Free Division Chief, Fire Marshall Jeff Bailey AdminClerk Margaret Honn Deputy Fire Marsahll Roger Davis Fire Inspector Anthony Buttram Community Risk Reduction Specialist Jlohn Shaffer ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2015 Pierce Saber Engine E1 RED 2009 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T1 GREEN 2023 Ford F-550 Brush Truck Brush 1 GREEN 2023 Ford F-550 Ambulance Med 1 GREEN 2016 Dodge Ram 4500 Ambulance Med 11 RED 2011 Pierce Contender Engine E52 RED 2020 Pierce Enforcer Quint Q2 GREEN 2008 Ford F-550 Squad S2 YELLOW 2023 Ford F-550 Ambulance M2 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 4500 Ambulance M22 RED 2019 Pierce Saber Engine E3 GREEN Due or Past Due Approaching Replacement Good Standing APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 8 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 1999 Spartan Eagle 1 Engine E53 RED 1999 Spartan Eagle 1 Engine E4 RED 2000 Ford F-750 Tender T4 RED 2009 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T5 GREEN 1998 GMC 5500 Tender T55 RED 2011 Pierce Contender Engine E6 YELLOW 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 Ambulance M6 GREEN 2016 Dodge Ram 4500 Ambulance M66 RED 2016 Pierce Saber Engine E7 YELLOW 2008 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T7 GREEN 2008 Ford F-550 Squad S7 YELLOW APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 9 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2019 Pierce Saber Engine E8 GREEN 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 Ambulance M8 GREEN 2008 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T8 GREEN 2024 Chevy Silverado Pickup C1 GREEN 2021 Dodge Durango SUV C2 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup C3 YELLOW 2021 Dodge Durango SUV C4 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup C5 RED 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup C21 YELLOW 2020 Ford Escape SUV C23 GREEN 2021 Ford Escape SUV C24 GREEN APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2019 Dodge Durango Quick Response BC1 RED 2013 Ford Explorer Quick Response QRV1 RED 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Fuel Truck C27 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 Van Van GREEN 2024 GMC Sierra Service Truck C28 GREEN UTV 7 YELLOW Boat RED APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVIICES 2024 COMING IN 2025 3 Pierce Saber Engines, replacing E1, E7, E3; which will move to reserve. E4, E52, E53 will be retired 1 Chevy Tahoe, replacing Battalion 1; which will be retired. 1 chevy Silverado, replacing C5; which will be retired 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- 5516 Total STATISTICS DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 4049 EMS 12 YEARLY CALL RESPONSE TYPE SNAPSHOT r 10.30% • 800 Natural Disaster .02% • 700 Fa lse Alarm 3.03% (167) • 600CX-No Inc-Smoke Scare 9.55% (527) ■ 500Service Calls 10.30% (568) • 300 EMS Calls 73.40% (4049) • 400 Hazmat Calls 1.54% (85) • 100 Fire Calls 2.12% (117) 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 • TOTAL CALL RESPONSES 3 Year Tracking by Month 11 111 11111 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ■ 2024 451 423 432 446 458 449 455 521 450 402 359 441 EMS CAU RESPONSES 3 Year Tracking by Month 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 so 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ■2024 340 314 320 330 324 326 320 371 302 314 289 324 ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 Dawson County Emergency Services' Training Division made significant strides in 2024 by conducting a wide array of training courses to enhance the capabilities of our first responders. These courses, which included Basic Firefighter training, Emergency Medicine, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Officer Development, were designed to improve the skills of our personnel, ensuring that they can better serve the community. Our training programs not only benefit our internal staff but also serve the greater North Georgia region, where we provide and receive mutual aid with neighboring agencies. These courses are taught by our own certified instructors, and certification exams are administered by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training, ensuring our staff meets the highest professional standards. The training exercises took place at our state-of-the-art facility at Dawson County Station 7, which is equipped with various training props, including a Flammable Liquids Prop, a Pressurized Container Prop, and a Structural Live Fire Training Building, among others. These tools allow us to provide realistic, hands- on training to our responders in a controlled and safe environment. In a major milestone for 2024, we held our first recruit class, hiring 10 new firefighters with no prior experience. Through rigorous training, they earned their Georgia Firefighter and EMT certifications. Our instructors went above and beyond the minimum training standards to ensure these new recruits are well-equipped to handle the challenges they will face in the field, ultimately providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Dawson County. The Training Division remains committed to providing comprehensive and superior training for all our personnel, with a mission to continually exceed fire and EMS standards and deliver exceptional service to our community 13 ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 14 en 0 I ■ Topics ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 15 1~ I ~ • 11l7 Fi efigi1ter 1 Firefig Mer 2 Hazma Fire Officer 1 t 11t7 Fire Officer 2 Fire Officer 3 l1J Fire Officer 4 w ro u AOPP AOPL ~I or 1 2 EMT AEMT I 0 I 5 6 10 I 1~ 117 '9 I 8 I I I 10 1 ' 71 10 15 Student Total ■ 22 I 20 25 ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 THE RECRUITS 16 ---PAGE BREAK--- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital component of our combined service, providing critical pre- hospital care and medical transport to the community. Dawson County Emergency Services operates at the frontline of healthcare, responding to emergencies and ensuring timely, skilled medical attention. Dawson County Emergency Services EMS Division operates four paramedic-level ambulances daily. Each of these units are equipped with specialized equipment for the pre-hospital care of the sick and injured. Equipment includes cardiac monitors that are capable of recording and transmitting data to receiving hospitals and mechanical chest compression devices. In addition to medical and fire responses, Emergency Medical Services provides public education, blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, as well as medical pre-plans for businesses. In 2016, Dawson County partnered with Northeast Georgia Medical Center to share cardiac arrest data which is entered into the International Cardiac Arrest Data Registry (INTCAR). This effort aims to develop data trends to help improve outcomes for patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Our EMS division was one of 6 counties involved in the pilot project with the Georgia Regional Trauma Commission. This project was the first in the state, that placed life-saving plasma in the pre-hospital setting. This project was a major success and saved many lives. Our EMS division still carries the plasma on our Battalion Chief’s vehicle. Our EMS division is deeply involved with the Region 2 STEMI (ST Elevation myocardial Infarction) program, which includes patient care feedback and in-depth training in cardiac emergencies. Dawson County Emergency Services provides in-house recertification training for our EMTs and Paramedics. Dawson County has invested in simulation manikins which is the new standard for training. Our instructors have provided multiple hours of continuing education per staff member, focusing on topics such as trauma care, pediatric emergencies, and cardiac care. We also host an in house EMT and Advanced EMT training programs. This program allows people who are interested in becoming EMTs to be hired and trained to that certification level. Looking ahead in the coming year, Dawson County aims to increase staffing through targeted recruitment campaigns at technical colleges within our area, further invest in technology, fleet upgrades to enhance service reliability, and strengthen partnerships with public health and emergency preparedness agencies. Despite challenges such as growing call volumes, and staffing shortages, we strengthened partnerships with local healthcare providers and streamlined patient transfers. Looking forward, we will focus on staff recruitment, fleet modernization, and innovative programs like community paramedicine to continue improving service delivery and meeting the evolving needs of our community. EMS DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 17 ---PAGE BREAK--- FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES The Fire Safety Division of Dawson County Emergency Services (DCES) is committed to reducing the risk of fire and injury in the community through active engagement and partnering with the public. The Fire Safety Division is responsible for overseeing the department’s Community Risk Reduction Program, new construction plan review and approvals, reviewing and providing commentary on zoning/rezoning applications, ensuring new and existing building safety through inspection for compliance with prescriptive building codes (interpretation, application, and enforcement of adopted codes), compliance with State and Federal ADA requirements in public buildings, and fire cause & origin and arson investigations. The Fire Safety Division is headed up by the Division Chief/Fire Marshal who is responsible for overseeing all functions of the division; including staff hiring and training, budget preparation, establishing policy, ensuring code compliance through the proper interpretation/application and enforcement of adopted building codes, ordinances, and ADA requirements, establishing division goals and strategic planning to achieve them. The Fire Safety Division frequently works with developers, architects, and engineers involved with the design and construction of new commercial buildings, as well as interacting with various local, state, and federal governmental agencies. The Deputy Fire Marshal shares in all administrative responsibilities of the Fire Marshal and is second in command of the division. The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for the direct day to day supervision of all daily activities and personnel in the division. He assists with performing large or complex fire and life safety inspections, works with various construction trades ensuring proper design and construction of new commercial and assembly use buildings, consults with business owners in developing long term compliance plans, and interacts with multiple governmental offices. 18 ---PAGE BREAK--- FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES The Fire Safety Division currently employs one full time Fire Inspector who is responsible for conducting 50%, 80%, and 100% inspections of all new commercial and assembly use building construction. Upon successfully passing final fire inspection of completed construction, the Fire Inspector then issues a Certificate of Occupancy from the safety division permitting the occupancy and use of the new building. In addition to ensuring new construction is compliant with all applicable codes and ordinances, the Fire Inspector is required by the State to periodically inspect all existing commercial and assembly use buildings to ensure that they continue to maintain compliance throughout the life of the building. As you would expect with all the recent (and forecast to continue) growth in Dawson County, properly performing and documenting all the required inspections is a daunting task. It is anticipated that the Fire Safety Division will likely need to hire 2 additional inspectors just to keep up in the coming year. 19 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES The division currently has one full time Community Risk Reduction Specialist (CRRS). The duties of the CRRS include the scheduling and presentation of all public fire safety education and PR events. While these types of events take place throughout the year, October is an especially busy time as it is recognized as National Fire Prevention month. Each October the CRRS is responsible for ensuring that all public and private elementary schools and daycares are visited by the fire department to teach fire safety to the children of Dawson County. Additional responsibilities of the CRRS are teaching proper child car seat installation and performing car seat checks, teaching first aid and BLS/CPR skills, fire extinguisher training, and meeting with local civic, religious, and business associations to promote a proactive approach to fire and life safety through education. While compliance with fire codes is mandatory for all commercial businesses, private residential dwellings are primarily exempted from the requirements of these codes. As a result, the CRRS also offers free home fire safety inspections providing recommendations for voluntary actions the homeowners can take to improve home fire safety. Similar to the fire inspection sector needs, Community Risk Reduction opportunities are increasing exponentially and it is hoped that at least one additional CRRS person can be added in 2025. 20 Learn Uvesaving Skills From the Experts With vtn Cliange ur clocks, change yow smoke alarm battertes ---PAGE BREAK--- FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES The Fire Safety Division currently employs a part-time administrative assistant working 20 hours/week. Her position includes the responsibility of scheduling all inspections for new construction and tenant changes. She acts as the receiving portal for all construction plans being submitted for review and approval, and ensures that all required fees for such services are collected and properly allocated. Once she has received plans for review and payment of fees, she then submits the plans to a contracted 3rd party review company. If the plans are found to be in compliance with all prescriptive codes and ordinances, they are then forwarded to the Fire Marshal for additional review and ultimate stamping of approval. However, if the plans being reviewed are found to be incomplete, inaccurate, or additional details are needed, a plan review comment letter is provided to the design professional and she then coordinates any necessary resubmittals or revisions getting reviewed. Once the plans have been approved and stamped by the Fire Safety Division, the submitter can then get a permit to commence the construction work. Current Mandatory Codes as Adopted by DCA International Building Code, 2018 Edition, with Georgia Amendments International Residential Code, 2018 Edition, with Georgia Amendments International Fire Code, 2018 Edition International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition, with Georgia Amendments International Mechanical Code, 2018 Edition, with Georgia Amendments International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 Edition, with Georgia Amendments National Electrical Code, 2023 Edition GA R&R 120-3-3 and 2018 NFPA 101 LSC w GA Amendments 21 NOTE Ti,e nsta .at10n of fire protecoon S)"Ste11S I reqJ re a separa·e perm t app and approva PRIOR to ns:al ahon F re prctectoo sys•ems may '1Clvde bu1 not be l1m led to ttie f0ilow1ng F re man~ t"'I or ~ :hoot pr ,a•e nydrants • Automatic SpnriJer Systems • F e Ex•nguish g Sr;te'lls fo, T)pe I Hoods and spray bool/ls • C eaos Ager• Systems - Fa, ure to setll'e tne r,ecessary appro,a sand pe m ts MAY resu~ ,n a Stop .V01k Order a d penalt,es assessed aga,nst the perm11 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES While the above descriptions outline the primary responsibilities for each position in the Fire Safety Division, they are by no means a full accounting of what each staff member does to contribute to the safety of the residents and visitors to Dawson County. While the Operations and EMS divisions of DCES primarily respond to incidents and attempt to improve their outcome, the Fire Safety Division is tasked with trying to reduce or even prevent those calls for service. The Fire Safety Division frequently solicits assistance and participation from both suppression and EMS personnel in delivering the safety message to the public. The three divisions frequently partner together to present public education events, displaying apparatus and equipment to children in our schools, preplanning of responses at identified buildings and hazards in the community, no cost smoke detector installations, car seat checks, etc. All DCES staff, regardless of which division they are associated with are 100% committed to providing for the safety of everyone in the county. 22 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES As can clearly be seen in the census data below, Dawson County is currently seeing unprecedented growth, as are many of the surrounding jurisdictions in the North Metro area. And with this population growth comes a commensurate increase in our calls for service; the number of buildings to be protected, EMS calls, businesses inspected, plans reviewed, school children taught fire safety, etc. This increasing demand for services presents many challenges to be overcome, not the least of which is sufficient staffing levels. In the Fire Safety Division, we are grateful that we were allowed to add one additional person this year when we create and filled a part time Administrative Assistant position. Already though, it is becoming apparent that this part time position should evolve into a fulltime position in 2025 or 2026. Dawson County’s growth is predicted to continue along a similar curve for at least the next several decades, and DCES must plan now to grow as well in order to both maintain and improve upon our service delivery capabilities. Dawson County, Georgia’s estimated 2024 population is 33,275 with a growth rate of 4.86% in the past year according to the most recent United states census data. Dawson County, Georgia is the 59th largest county in Georgia. The 2010 population was 22,325 and has seen a growth of 49.05% since that time. DAWSON COUNTY GROWTH 23 YEAR ---PAGE BREAK--- THE STATS DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES INSPECTIONS C.O./TENANT CHANGE: 126 50%/80%/100%: 56 ANNUAL: 272 FOLLOW UP: 663 FIRE PROTECTION & MISC: 220 TOTAL: 1337 REVENUE COLLECTED $63,019.00 RISK REDUCTION PRESENTATIONS SCHOOL FIRE SAFETY PRESENTATIONS: 2087 STUDENTS SMOKE ALARM CHECKS/INSTALLS 13 CAR SEAT CHECKS 13 CPR CLASSES 26 FIRST AID CLASSES 4 FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING CLASS 3 TOUCH A TRUCKS 24 STATION TOURS 7 SPARKY EVENTS 11 PLAN REVIEWS 311 BLASTING PERMITS 8 FIREWORKS PERMITS 3 FOOD TRUCK PERMITS 11 SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS 17 FIRE INVESTIGATIONS 13 24 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES OPEN HOUSE 25 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 LOGISTICS 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES In 2024, call volume increased by approximately 20%, exceeding our annual budget in several categories. Despite these challenges, the logistics department has managed to adapt by making adjustments and reallocating funds. The department has faced difficulties with product availability and ensuring that personnel have the necessary materials to maintain their standard level of care. Additionally, logistics has encountered issues such as products being damaged by hurricanes and flooding, as well as drugs being transferred to different distributors, which has resulted in their unavailability in the EMS setting. To address these challenges, the team has had to identify new distributors and carriers to secure essential medications needed for patient care. Logistics has been working with the Chief of Staff and personnel to explore alternatives for providing essential care to stakeholders during this challenging time. Despite these obstacles, the logistics team has successfully maintained a sufficient supply of products for patient care by seeking new distributors and establishing additional accounts. 26 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2024 was a busy year for the Office of Emergency Management. The first part of the year started rather quietly; we participated in a COOP class to serve as an additional tool for 2025 and obtained 2 weather stations located in the Southeast regions of the county. Personnel attended all six EMAG meetings in the area, EMAG Conferences, and much more throughout the year. Dawson County Emergency Management also worked with the Senior Center and Park and Rec to form a church alliance group for sheltering in Dawson County. Emergency Management responded to various incidents in 2024. In the Spring/Summer, there were 2 localized flooding issues we aided with in the county. In September, Hurricane Helene moved across north Georga. In anticipation of the storm, we coordinated with county leaders to develop our action plans, then opened and staffed the EOC with additional EMS personnel, public works, sheriff’s department and other leaders. While the majority of the County was spared, the north end of the county suffered damages ranging from multiple downed trees and power lines, to blocked water ways, and washed-out roads. Fortunately, there were no personal property damages or any lives lost. In addition, Dawson County Emergency Management responded to Homerville, Georgia, for the use of the GEMA generator, and also Lanier County for personnel to assist in county operations and point of distribution (POD) for 7 days. Dawson County Emergency Services responded to multiple incidents due to ice and snow throughout the county at the end of the year. Several days of arctic weather caused many nights of temperatures well below freezing, with the wind chill nearing 0 degrees. Crossbridge Church and Amicalola Falls Visitor Center opened for three nights, assisting in sheltering citizens of Dawson County. As the year drew to a close, Emergency Management and Grants Specialist Laurie Whalen collaborated to secure over $55,000 in reimbursement funds, from damages and costs incurred during Hurricane Helene. We are currently working diligently to secure two additional weather stations for the county in 2025, which will be positioned on the north end of the county and at the new 911/Emergency Operations Center. DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 EMA 2024 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Contact Us www.dawsoncountyga.gov/emergency 393 MEMORY LANE DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 [PHONE REDACTED] 28