LFD Receive High Praise for Saving a Life

The , specifically the members of Truck 15, Squad 16 and Battalion 3, were recognized by Fire Chief Danny Roberts and the Thursday.

The occasion came about as a result of a special commendation by Walton County Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Supervisor Dennis Carlock for the firefighters' “quick response that made a positive impact for a patient.” In a letter to Roberts, Carlock said he had never before written such a letter on an entirely unsolicited basis. “However, in this case I was so impressed by the support and service provided by your staff that I felt compelled to go on record with my praise,” Carlock wrote.

The incident Carlock referred to happened on Nov. 26, 2011 when the LFD responded to a call regarding a patient in cardiac arrest.

“The crews had gained access to the patient, performed a proper assessment, established a patent airway, began CPR and gathered information all prior to EMS arrival with a response time of less than 10 minutes,” Carlock said in the letter. “On top of these measures, your staff accompanied the EMS crew to the hospital assisting with patient care all the way. These actions eventually led to the return of spontaneous circulation, which was maintained throughout the duration of the incident until care was turned over to the ED staff at Walton Regional Medical Center. The level of service that your staff extended to the EMS regarding patient care was far beyond our expectations, and greatly appreciated.”

This praise was backed up by Mayor Ray Nunley who said of members of the LFD, that it was more than just a job and they were known to routinely go “above and beyond” what was required of them. Newly-elected Councilman Mike Jones echoed these sentiments.

“Thirty years ago we had Larry Hardy and a fire truck, but now we have probably the best fire department,” Jones said, referring to an incident two years ago when he himself needed the services of the LFD. “They literally saved my life, so I can’t praise them high enough. When you see one, give them a hug for me.”

Roberts too had high praise for his firefighters, saying that although the person did not ultimately survive, through the efforts of the firefighters he was revived and lived for another five or so days in the hospital. Roberts said about 60 percent of Loganville firefighters were EMTs and all the fire trucks were equipped for Advanced Life Support.