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Sons of the American Revolution honor first responders

Community December 24, 2020 , by

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution paid homage to local firefighters, law enforcement, EMT, and EMS workers during the December Commission meeting.

Sid Turner presented three awards. The first the law enforcement commendation went to Lt. Leon James who serves the Union County Sheriff’s Office and primarily stationed at the courthouse. In 2017, he became the commanding officer of the courthouse law enforcement operation, assisted in implementing the security checkpoints, and wrote the safety plan. Later, Sheriff Mason chose James slow down traffic in Union County.

Lt. Brent Long received the firefighter safety commendation. Long’s served the fire department for 21 years, initially as a volunteer. In 2002, he became a full-time firefighter. He’s responsible for training the entire department and emergency medical services. He’s also the deputy director of emergency management.

Frank Lowery accepted the emergency services commendation. Lowery’s been with the Union County EMS since 2012 and “consistently delivers care to his patients at a high level.” In 2016, he was promoted to shift supervisor and performs training coordinator and quality assurance coordinator responsibilities. Lowery also received the Murray King award for outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Union County.

Proclamations

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris issued three proclamations during the December meeting, Retired Teacher’s Day on November 1, Arbor Day on February 9, and Radon Action Month in January.

Contracts and Grants

SPLOST funds were used to purchase a $478,873 fire engine/pumper for the fire department. Also, the county entered into two no cost contracts with debris removal services as required by FEMA.

Winkler and Winkler were awarded a $330,370.00 contract to upgrade the View Grill. SPLOST funds were used for this project.

To repair the roof at the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jail to Roof Management were awarded $215,500.00 in SPLOST funds.

Two accountability court grants for the Enotah Family Treatment Court and health court were accepted.

The emergency moratorium on multi-family housing units was extended for another 190 days from October 8, 2020.

 

Union Fire Department and EMS COVID-19 Update

Community, Press Release, UCFD August 7, 2020 , by
covid-19 update
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The following is the COVID-19 update and advice from the Union County Fire Chief and EMS Director David Dyer on August 5, 2020.
“COVID-19 is a major topic that everyone is talking about and, at the same time, everyone is tired of hearing. It is a subject that we, at the Emergency Management Agency and Fire Department deal with on almost an hourly basis.
We deal with the ever-changing guidance from the various organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). We are constantly looking at information that is provided to us in order to get an idea of the situation. We are responding to calls and seeing, firsthand, how the virus is affecting people and patients.
Most would agree that the virus has, and is continuing, to spread through our community. People in our area have either had the virus; know someone who has; or has heard of someone who has. We have seen the number of confirmed cases rise significantly in the last couple of weeks. For example, roughly four weeks ago, the number of confirmed cases for Union County was 89 with three deaths. We have more than doubled those numbers.
The numbers have gone up and that is why we should follow the guidelines and procedures now, more than ever, to flatten the curve and slow the spread. That is what the guidelines are designed to do, to slow the spread. They were never designed to stop the virus. We will continue to see more cases but when we see a spike as we are seeing now, we should put more effort into following the guidelines to slow that spread.

Latest COVID-19 update map from Google.

On July 17th, Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey asked Georgians to do four things “for the next four weeks” to continue to flatten the curve and slow the spread.
These four things are 1) wear a mask when out in public or when you cannot keep distance inside, 2) practice physical distancing – six feet from those you don’t live with, 3) wash your hands for 20 seconds several times throughout the day with soap and warm water, and 4) follow the Executive Order and heed the guidance provided by public health officials.
The best course of action is to continue to remain vigilant and follow these guidelines to help slow the spread and protect our most vulnerable population. Everyone should take responsibility for their health as well as the health of people that they come in contact with.”

What’s “the new normal” for the community?

Community, Press Release, UCFD April 29, 2020 , by
new normal

BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Union County Fire Department and EMA issued the following statement concerning “the new normal” following COVID-19 and the governor’s reopening of the state’s economy.

“The Governor of the State of Georgia has signed an executive order on April 20th to allow certain businesses to open who have previously been ordered to close. This is being referred to as “opening up”. He followed up that executive order with another order on April 23rd that provided the guidelines for these businesses and extending other previous executive orders until May 13th. The businesses that are allowed to reopen must comply with certain restrictions and implement practices to reduce the exposure and spread of COVID-19. This can be very confusing and has raised a great deal of debate.

The “opening up” does not mean that we can throw caution to the wind or behave as if this is over. It is not over; this is our new normal for a while. The businesses that have chosen to open up must follow the restrictions and guidelines for the safety of employees and the customers. That is their responsibility. If anyone decides to go to these businesses, they must use common sense and practice all the precautions that have been taught over the last two months.

The new normal, for now at least, is practicing these precautions and preventive measures. This includes wearing a cloth mask. If you do not have a cloth mask by now, you are behind the times. People should get used to wearing a mask in public and get used to seeing others wearing them. The Governor’s executive order also “strongly encouraged” everyone to wear a mask when outside your home.

The mask is not only for your protection but for the protection of others. There is evidence that a person can be positive for COVID-19 and not be aware of it. They may have no signs and symptoms at all. They could also be spreading the virus without knowing it. This is why wearing a cloth mask in public is very important not only for your safety but for the safety of others.

According to the CDC, a cloth face covering or mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. The CDC has more information on how to make and use a cloth mask.

This is our new normal for now. As I have stated before, we all have a part to play and it is very important that people take this seriously and do their part.”

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