Loganville Firefighters Recognized at Council Meeting

Seven Loganville firefighters were recognized at the city council meeting Thursday (Dec. 12) for their efforts during two cardiac arrest calls. 

On Sept. 26, the Loganville Fire Department responded to a call about a sick person on Sharon Church Road. When they arrived, authorities found a man in severe respiratory distress. 

"The man was unresponsive [and] not breathing," said Fire Chief Danny Roberts. 

CPR was started, and they continued it as they rode in the ambulance. They saved the man's life, and he is still alive today, according to Roberts. 

Loganville firefighters Lt. Scott Carson, Sgt. Jessica Pazinets, Sgt. Rex Wamer and Sgt. Stephen Wilson were given plaques for their efforts that day. Walton County paramedics Junior Laws and Leslie Godfrey also were recognized. 

The second incident took place one shift later on Sept. 29. A man had a seizure in the parking lot of 3 Peas in a Pod and a bystander had been providing CPR. Firefighters attempted CPR and shocked the patient with the automated external defibrillator, but there was no pulse, so they transported him to the hospital. On the way there, the patient retained a pulse, but he passed away a few days later. 

Wilson, along with Loganville firefighters Lt. Michael Moon, Sgt. Joey McCall and Lt. Kyle MacKenzie, were recognized. Walton paramedics Brad Davis and emergency medical technician Kevin Cissner were named, too. 

"We are very blessed to have these gentlemen and women with us in the city," said Roberts. 

He also gave the Medal of Valor honor to Sgt. Andy Freeman, a Loganville firefighter who assisted in saving elderly patients during a fire at a senior care home center Oct. 10. An off-duty Rockdale County Sheriff deputy was first to notice the fire and helped remove one occupant, but he injured himself in the process. Freeman, along with Walton County emergency personnel, helped remove the other five residents, and he also conducted a second search to ensure that no residents were left behind.

Also taking place in the city council meeting: 

-Walton EMC's Operation Round Up presented a check for $3,000 to the Loganville Police Department. The funds will go toward the DARE program for the local schools. 

-The proposal to have repairs done for the Rocky Gym was taken off the agenda since Councilman Mike Jones said Councilman-Elect Chuck Bagley is taking over as chairman for the Public Works committee next year. Jones reasoned that Bagley should have a say in the matter before the council makes a decision.

-The city council gave their blessing on the Loganville Rotary Club dedicating a bench in Destination Park to Kurt Hansen, who motivated the revitalization of the park. Hansen passed away three months ago.

-The council also approved the road closures during the eighth annual Jingle Jog event for Saturday (Dec. 14). 

-Councilwoman Michelle Lynch presented the American Legion Post 233, Loganville Woman's Club and Loganville Legacy Lions Club all with special recognition for their participation and assistance in the city's annual tree lighting and Christmas parade. Lynch also mentioned how the woman's club held the Tour of Homes last weekend and decorated city hall for the holidays, and the Lions Club assisted with the Autumn Heritage Festival. 

-Joe Leeper with Loganville's American Legion Post recognized Lt. J.H. Fain for his help with traffic during the funeral procession for Dale Hollenbach, a member of the post. 

-The council approved a variance for building a tennis court with a privacy screening along a chain link at 120 Fox Hole Ct. 

-The council also approved the ordinance amendment to replace the stucco requirement for building homes with fiber board cement. 

-The resolution for the 2014 Georgia State Minimum Standard of Codes for construction also was unanimously approved. 

-The council approved the renewal of the CSI software program for $37,610. 

-The council agreed to spend $24,025 to replace the air conditioning units at Station 16 of the Loganville Fire Department in the drop ceiling. The AC units will be moved to ground level. A new heat pump also will be added.

-The council approved a two-year contract for $11,180 to provide annual physicals for 43 employees in the fire department.