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2025 Annual Report Dawson County Emergency Services ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Table of Contents Message From the Chief 05 Administration/Organizational Chart 06 - 07 The Stations 08 - 09 Statistics 14 Operations and Training 15 Emergency Medical Services 16 - 19 Fire Safety Division/A Message from the Fire Marshal 21 Community 22 Emergency Management 20 Open House 27 Contact Us 30 2024 Mission Statement and Values 04 3 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES Apparatus Inventory 10 - 13 Then and Now Fire Safety Division/Community Risk Reduction 24 - 25 26 Recognition 28 Fire Safety Division 23 ---PAGE BREAK--- MISSION, VISION, VALUES DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 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--- 2025 was a very productive year for Dawson County Emergency Services. Several major projects were completed, while others were successfully initiated. Early in the year, our state-of-the-art training burn building was completed. This facility will serve to train our firefighters for many years to come. Additionally, the county’s new 911/EOC facility was completed. This building will house both the Emergency Operations Center and the 911 dispatch center, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities across the county. Projects currently underway include the construction of a new replacement Fire Station 3 and a countywide emergency radio system upgrade. The new Fire Station 3 will provide a larger, more modern facility than the existing station, better supporting operational needs and future growth. Additionally, the new radio system is scheduled to go into service in the late spring or summer timeframe. This upgraded system will deliver significantly improved reliability and expanded coverage throughout the county, greatly enhancing deputy and firefighter safety. In 2025, with the support of the Board of Commissioners and the County Manager, Dawson County Emergency Services reached a milestone not seen in a very long time, achieving full staffing across all budgeted positions. This staffing level has allowed the department to place additional personnel on fire engines, significantly improving firefighter safety and enhancing the level of service provided to the citizens of Dawson County. As the county continues to grow, so will the need for our department to grow. Dawson County Emergency Services would like to thank the citizens of Dawson County for their continued support. We stand ready to meet future challenges and remain committed to providing high-quality emergency response and emergency medical care to our community. Sincerely, Troy D. Leist Emergency Services Director MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 TROY LEIST EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 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 agency participates in a variety of events and programs with local organizations and the school system. • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 7 Fire Chief I EMA Director Troy Leist Division Chief Operations / Training! Johnny Irvin Battalion Chief A J. Mitchell Training Captaiin Cass Harris Logistics/ Deputy EMA Lucas Ra Battalion Chief C J. Free Admin Asst Tammy Hammond Divi1son Chief EMS/Administration Ben Adams Battaliion Chief B P. Cloud l Division Chief, Fire Marshall Jeff Bailey I Adlmin Specialist • Hunter Hammond I Deputy Fire Marshal Roger Davis I I Fiire Inspector Anthony Buttram Community Risk Reduction Specialist J;ohn Shaffer I ---PAGE BREAK--- THE STATIONS 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 8 STATION 1 393 MEMORY LANE BUILT IN 2003 STATION 2 145 LIBERTY DRIVE BUILT IN 2011 STATION 3 951 HARMONY CHURCH ROAD BUILT 1975 (NEW STATION COMING IN 2026) STATION 4 (VOLUNTEER) 245 EMMA TERRACE BUILT IN 1985 ---PAGE BREAK--- THE STATIONS 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 9 STATION 6 2142 HUBBARD ROAD BUILT IN 1997 STATION 7 170 DAWSON FOREST ROAD W BUILT IN 2004 STATION 8 3145 SWEETWATER JUNO ROAD BUILT IN 2022 STATION 5 (VOLUNTEER) 8573 KELLY BRIDGE ROAD BUILT IN 1985 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2025 Pierce Saber Engine E1 GREEN 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 2016 Pierce Saber Engine E52 GREEN 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 2025 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2019 Pierce Saber Engine E53 GREEN 2024 Ford F-450 Ambulance M3 GREEN 2015 Pierce Saber Engine E4 GREEN 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 2025 Pierce Saber Engine E7 GREEN 2008 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T7 GREEN 2008 Ford F-550 Squad S7 YELLOW APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2025 Pierce Saber Engine E8 GREEN 2022 Dodge Ram 5500 Ambulance M8 GREEN 2008 Peterbuilt 340 Tender T8 GREEN 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 Pickup C1 GREEN 2021 Dodge Durango SUV C2 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup C3 YELLOW 2021 Dodge Durango SUV C4 GREEN 2025 Chevy Silverado Pickup C5 GREEN 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 2025 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo Year Make Model Type Designator Replace 2019 Dodge Durango Quick Response QRV/Car 6 GREEN 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Pickup BC1 GREEN 2021 Didge Ram 1500 Fuel Truck C27 GREEN 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 Van Van GREEN 2024 GMC Sierra Service Truck C28 GREEN 2017 Honda Pioneer 1000 UTV 7 SXS RED Boat RED APPARATUS INVENTORY DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVIICES 2025 COMING IN 2026: 3- 2026 FORD F-550 Ambulances 13 ADDED TO THE FLEET IN 2025: ---PAGE BREAK--- 5565 Total 4045 EMS STATISTICS DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 14 YEARLY CALL RESPONSE TYPE SNAPSHOT • 800 Natural Disaster 0.05% • 700 False Alarm 3.4% {189) • 600 CX-No Inc-Smoke Scare 9.1% (503) • 500 Service Calls 10.8% (601) • 400 Hazmat Calls 1.4% {77) • 300 EMS Calls 73.0% (4045) • 100 Fire Calls 2.2% {122) • 600 500 400 300 200 100 ) 0 TOTAL CAU RESPONSES 3 Year Tracking by Month I I I I I 51:P OCT P«>V OfC O JAN Ft:8 MAR APR MAY JUN JUI. AUG ■ zozs 483 414 458 475 448 538 474 449 394 460 451 477 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 EMS CALL RESPONSES 3 Year Tracking by Month JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ■ 2025 354 302 331 354 344 321 346 349 30S 334 333 362 ---PAGE BREAK--- EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 15 Dawson County Emergency Services (DCES) responds to both fire and EMS calls, with EMS accounting for approximately 85% of total responses. Dawson County prides itself on delivering high-quality prehospital care. Throughout 2025, DCES advanced EMS services in several significant ways. Northeast Georgia Medical Center partnered with DCES by bringing the Sim Lab to provide hands-on, high-quality training. DCES also graduated an EMT class and launched an Advanced EMT (AEMT) program. The department achieved full staffing and placed two ALS engines in service, allowing for faster advanced care delivery. Additionally, DCES expanded its plasma program and upgraded administration devices, and completed a full revision of Standing Medical Orders. Dawson County Emergency Services is actively working on several EMS division upgrades for 2026. Plans include the purchase of medical pumps to allow for quicker, safer, and more precise medication administration and dosing. DCES is also preparing to open its fifth med unit, increasing availability and response capacity for all emergency medical calls. In addition, the department is partnering with multiple agencies and organizations to provide advanced training courses throughout the year, further strengthening clinical skills and patient care. EMS DIVISION YEAR-END REVIEW ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 16 FIRE DEPARTMENT YEAR-END OPERATIONS REPORT REPORTING YEAR: 2025 Executive Summary The past year marked significant progress for our Fire Department in operational readiness, training, and resource enhancement. With 5,565 calls for service, our team demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. Major investments in infrastructure, training, and equipment have positioned us for continued excellence in emergency response and community safety. Key Operational Highlights Emergency Response · Total Calls: 5,565 · Calls included fire suppression, EMS, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. Training & Professional Development · 12,081 training hours completed by personnel. · Commissioned a state-of-the-art burn building, enabling advanced live-fire training scenarios. · Hosted 11 regional classes with 170 students in attendance, fostering regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Staffing & Personnel · Operations Division became fully staffed, ensuring optimal coverage and operational efficiency. ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 17 VI L. 5000 4000 ~ 3000 ~ ~ 2000 1000 - 0 5381.25 Company Hazmat Tota I Hlouirs by Cateigo,ry I Officer Driver Facilities EMS Category ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 18 Lii1ve Fli re I - !Fire and life Safety Educaltor ~nstru cto r 1 Fii1re Offi,cer 4 Fii1re Offi,c:er 3 Fi1re Offh:e 2 Fii1re ,Offi,cer 1 - 0 5, Class Enrollment 10 15 20 Number of Students ---PAGE BREAK--- OPERATIONS & TRAINING DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 2025 THE NEW BURN BUILDING 19 THE FACTS: Six 40 ft, and one 20 ft long Conex containers Four story training structure with 3 burn rooms on the 1 floor and 1 on the 2 floor st nd Built-in forcible entry door, metal cutting prop, ventilation simulator, standpipe running from 1 to 4 floor (for commercial fire structure practice), wall breach prop (for escaping hostile env), hole in the floor (for rescue operations between levels), rappel tower on the roof of the 4 floor, and moveable walls for a maze. st th th • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 20 Dawson County obtained 2 new weather stations from the EMPG Grant; one is located at the new EOC and one at AMP (Atlanta Motorsports Park) Lucas Ray, Deputy EMA Director, was selected to be on the board for the newly created Region 6 EMAT (Emergency Management Assistance Team) The EMA Director and Deputy Director attended the annual EMAG conferences as well as the area meetings Over 300 new additions to the RAVE Alert system Partnered with the local church alliance to assist with sheltering needs during freezing weather EMA YEAR-END REVIEW THE NEW EOC • • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- Dawson County Emergency Services is made up of 3 separate divisions, FIRE, EMS, and SAFETY. While they all interact with each other at times, each has its own specific impact on public safety delivery. While FIRE suppression and EMS care are sometimes thought of as being primarily reactive in nature, there is a marked trend towards becoming more proactive in our approach to providing public safety. Long gone are the days of Firefighters, Paramedics, and EMT’s sitting around the station just waiting for calls to run. Modern day public expectations demand a more financially responsible and safety enhancing approach. Hence the birth of the Fire Safety Division. The primary goal of the safety division is to integrate all 3 divisions and the public in efforts to reduce the need to dial 911. This is perhaps most evident to the public through community outreach efforts such as fire safety education programs, smoke detector installations, child safety car seat installations, review/approval of commercial construction plans, business inspections, and fire and life safety code enforcement. Another key component is the participation of our line personnel in identifying and addressing recognized safety hazards. The safety division works with all Emergency Services personnel to recognize, report, and act on safety risks observed during the performance of their normal duties. Examples of this include noting the absence of smoke detectors when responding to medical calls, reporting fire hydrants that are becoming overgrown with vegetation, street side vehicle parking that might hinder emergency responses, and participating in public safety education presentations. Each year in October, during statewide Fire Safety and Prevention month, we rely heavily on the line personnel to help us with safety education delivery to the schoolchildren of Dawson County. FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 21 FIRE SAFETY YEAR END REVIEW INSPECTIONS/PLAN REVIEWS/PERMITS/INVESTIGATIONS C.O. / TENANT CHANGE INSPECTIONS 87 50%/80%/100% INSPECTIONS 50 ANNUAL INSPECTIONS 249 FOLLOW UP INSPECTIONS 705 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND MISC INSPECTIONS 143 FOOD TRUCK INSPECTIONS 26 TOTAL COMBINED INSPECTIONS 1260 259 PLAN REVIEWS PERFORMED $51,585 REVENUE COLLECTED FIREWORKS PERMITS 8 SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS 2 BLASTING PERMITS 8 FIRE INVESTIGATIONS 12 ---PAGE BREAK--- It has been a privilege to serve the residents and visitors to this wonderful community for 30 years now. During this time, I have worked in all three Emergency Services divisions and most recently have served as the Fire Marshal for the county. I have been honored to work alongside some of the hardest working and most dedicated public safety professionals one could ever hope to know. From its humble beginnings to the current “state of the art” department DCES become, through all its different administrations and the very real struggle to keep pace with explosive growth, DCES has and always will remain dedicated to providing for and improving the public’s safety. With retirement approaching, I find myself reflecting back on the many evolutions I’ve witnessed this department undergo. When I started as a volunteer FF in 1995, we ran less than 1,000 calls per year, now we respond to app 6,000 calls per year. Fire and EMS were two separate departments, and now DCES is a combined all hazard service provider. Station #1 was a converted vehicle storage garage sitting where the jail parking lot is now, and EMS was based out of a single wide mobile home in the fire station’s parking lot. Today’s station #1 is a modern purpose-built facility housing Fire, EMS, and our Admin Headquarters. We all wore used turnout gear and heavy 20 minute air packs (SCBA’s). Today’s personnel are issued new properly fitted gear and lightweight 45 minute SCBA’s. Our “wobbly” training tower was made from 4 telephone poles about 20 feet tall with a small wooden platform near its top. Today, Dawson County is blessed to have a modern state of the art multi-story steel training facility on the grounds of fire station In 1995, Dawson only had 5 fire stations, today there are 8. There was no Fire Safety Division in 1995. Today, Dawson County benefits from a dedicated team of Fire Safety individuals committed to improving public safety through community risk reduction practices, commercial construction plan reviews, building and business inspections, code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations. I mention these things to point out that as Dawson County has grown and evolved, so has DCES. New and challenging hazards to the community require new and innovative means of mitigating them, and that will continue to be the prime directive of this department going forward. With the unprecedented growth Dawson continues to experience, it goes without saying that DCES will also need to grow and improve on the services it provides the public; and the Fire Safety Division will continue to be a proud and key component contributing to that improved public safety. MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE MARSHAL 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 22 ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 THEN AND NOW 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 23 ---PAGE BREAK--- 24 DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES The Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program continued to expand its reach and impact over the past year, focusing on education, prevention, and engagement to improve safety outcomes across the community. Through increased training opportunities, public events, and partnerships, the program demonstrated measurable growth in both participation and effectiveness compared to 2024. Overview CPR Training CPR education remained a major focus area, with significant growth in the number of individuals trained. 183 community members trained in CPR, up from 103 in 2024 This increase reflects expanded class availability, improved outreach, and growing community awareness of lifesaving skills Child Passenger Safety The CRR program saw substantial progress in child passenger safety efforts. 30 car seat installations and safety checks completed, compared to 13 in 2024 These services helped ensure children are properly restrained and caregivers are educated on correct installation and usage In addition, the program successfully received a mini-grant through the State Department of Health, strengthening resources and supporting continued child safety initiatives. COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION YEAR-END REVIEW • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 FIRE SAFETY DIVISION 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 25 Fire Extinguisher Training Hands-on fire safety education remained an important component of prevention efforts. Five fire extinguisher training classes conducted Participants received instruction on proper extinguisher selection, operation, and decision- making during fire emergencies Community Outreach & Engagement Community engagement efforts continued to grow, emphasizing visibility, education, and relationship-building. 56 community events attended, including: Touch-A-Truck events Fire station tours Classroom presentations Safety fairs and public education events These interactions provided opportunities to deliver fire and life safety messaging, build trust with residents, and reach audiences of all ages. Summary Compared to 2024, the Community Risk Reduction program experienced meaningful growth in training participation, safety services, and community engagement. Increases in CPR training and car seat checks, successful grant funding, and consistent outreach efforts reflect a strong commitment to proactive prevention and public education. The program continues to play a vital role in reducing risk, improving preparedness, and enhancing the overall safety of the community. • • • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- EVENTS: 56 DAWSON COUNTY EBERGENCY SERVICES 2024 COMMUNITY 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES SCHOOL FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS 30 CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATIONS 183 FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING CLASS 5 MULTIPLE SMOKE ALARM CHECKS/INSTALLS FIRE SAFETY TRAILER DEMONSTRATIONS PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS TOUCH A TRUCK EVENTS PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT FIRE STATION TOURS TEEN MAZE AND SO MUCH MORE.... 26 OCTOBER ET RECOGNITIONS CONGRATULATIONS! ---PAGE BREAK--- 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES STATION 1 OPEN HOUSE 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2025 DAWSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES 28 PROMOTIONS, GRADUATION, RETIREMENTS & EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR ---PAGE BREAK--- Your paragraph text ---PAGE BREAK--- Contact Us www.dawsoncountyga.gov/emergency 393 MEMORY LANE DAWSONVILLE, GA 30534 [PHONE REDACTED]