Fire Chief Prather recognizes new paramedics
Community, Police & Government May 20, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens County Board of Commissioners met on May 19, 2022. At their meeting, Fire Chief Tim Prather was given the time to recognize two employees who recently received licenses to serve as paramedics. Chairman Stancil also gave a recognition to Pickens County sports teams, and the commissioners voted to fill two positions.
During the commissioners’ meeting, Chief Prather recognized firefighters Zachary Robinson and Zachary Licona who recently finished the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Paramedic Program. Prather emphasized the time Licona and Robinson dedicated to becoming licensed paramedics, “I don’t think there’s ever enough said about the paramedic program and what these guys go through. The program itself is about 1200 hours.” He also read a letter of commendation that was presented to both paramedics. “Although I have never attempted this program,” Prather said, “I am fully aware of the time, preparation, commitment, dedication, and physical demands required to complete this program successfully.” He continued, “It is with immense pleasure and honor that I offer you this letter of commendation for a job well done.”
Prather also noted that their licensure had already been used to benefit the community. He added that one paramedic had already responded to a heart attack call, saying the survivor is “alive today because of that training.”
Continuing recognitions, Chairman Kris Stancil recognized the Pickens County High School teams that reached the state championships or playoffs including baseball, competition cheer, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, girls’ golf, cross country and track, girls’ tennis, soccer, and Esports. Stancil said they “definitely want to recognize and honor every member of everyone of those teams, but like I say, we don’t have a room big enough in the county to bring all of these students and their families in.”
After the retirement of the county’s current commercial building inspector, the commissioners approved an agreement that will allow the chairman to fill the position. The board also took action to appoint a Democrat to the Pickens County Board of Elections. Stancil first noted that the elections board must have two Republican members and two Democratic members. He explained that one current member, Democrat Barbara Balducci, is leaving the county. The commissioners filled that position until the term expires in January 2026.
BOC proclaims April 24-30, 2022 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Community April 22, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Pickens Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 24-30, 2022 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week, filled a vacancy on the planning commission, and administered an oath of office for newly hired Fire Chief Tim Prather during their April meeting.
Because the board held only one meeting in April, Chairman Kris Stancil noted the proclamations that had been signed throughout the month. The Prevent Child Abuse Proclamation was signed by both Chairman Stancil and Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence and designated April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. He mentioned that the pinwheels found throughout Pickens County were in recognition of the effort. Another proclamation recognized dispatchers in Pickens County: “The week of April tenth through the sixteenth was National Public Safety Telecommunications Week,” Stancil said, “So we had an opportunity on the twelfth to recognize Ms. Easterwood and her staff at the 911 center for the incredible work they do.” Stancil also proclaimed the week of April 24 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The commissioners approved a resolution that will amend the Deferred Compensation Plan for Pickens County employees. Stancil said the resolution will allow more flexibility for employees, giving them an additional option to contribute to a Roth 457.
The board also approved a premises use agreement with the Boys and Girls Club. Stancil explained that the agreement “grants to the Boys and Girls Club a license to use specified areas of the premises of the Recreation Center.” It will also expand the community’s access to the Summer Enrichment Program, according to Stancil.
The board appointed Kevin Moss to the Pickens County Planning Commission to fill a vacant seat until Dec. 31, 2024. “I would like to recognize our planning commission. They’re all volunteers and get appointed and are willing to serve,” Stancil said after approving the appointment. In addition, the commissioners also administered an oath of office for Fire Chief Tim Prather during the meeting. The Pickens High School Dragonettes basketball team were also recognized during the meeting for taking part in the Final Four.