http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org Latest Fire Department Content en-us Copyright 2013 Cherokee County Fire Department http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org Thu, 16 May 2013 11:45:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Explorer Post #469 held their annual Senior Night and Change of Command Ceremony at fire station #22 near Bridgemill on Tuesday night. The exiting youth officers passed their helmets off to the new youth officers and Captain Josh Germon passed the Post Guide On off to the new post Captain, Nick Leslie. Other explorers who were promoted include Carson Caglioni and Brooke Ice who were promoted to Lieutenants and Bradley Hough and Josiah Gnanamuttu were both promoted to the rank of Sergeants. The new officers were charged by lead advisor Michael Sims. A few words were said by Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief, Eddie Robinson and Sgt. Scott Deal who encouraged the graduating seniors to make good decisions in life and to keep up the great work. Plus, the chiefs told the new officers that they had faith in their leadership and they have big boots to fill. Cadet Lt. Cheyenne Gurley spoke on behalf of herself and the other seniors that completed the program this year. She spoke about how much she has seen her peers, herself, and this explorer post change for the better over the past several years. Gurley then challenged the new officers to keep raising the bar and to always represent Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services with pride and professionalism. The Explorer program is a co-educational program providing an opportunity for young adults to explore a particular career field. The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Explorers Post provide an opportunity for young adults to get a hands-on introduction to fire and emergency services. They hold regular meetings and training events, ride fire trucks and participate in emergency incidents under the supervision of their advisors, senior firefighters and others. For more information about Fire Explorers Post #469, contact Lead Advisor, Michael Sims, at (678) 644 -1377. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=370 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a single vehicle accident on Thursday afternoon on Highway 140 near Sam Nelson Road at approximately 4:45 PM. Cherokee County firefighters arrived on the scene to find the 28 year old male driver had been ejected from the vehicle. The blue Buick LeSabre apparently left the highway and struck some trees. A passenger in the vehicle, a 33 year old female, had gotten out of the vehicle and was with the driver when emergency service personnel arrived on the scene. She was later transported to Kennestone Hospital. The driver, who lived in Jasper, was transported to Northside Cherokee Hospital where he later died. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=369 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a 911 call yesterday morning at approximately 9:30 regarding portions of Glenn Wilkie Trail being washed out due to flooding. Glenn Wilkie Trail is located off Highway 372 near the Free Home area of Cherokee County. According to Battalion Chief, Dan Floyd, approximately 2 to 3 feet of the road had been washed away due to flooding. As the day progressed, more dirt and roadway collapsed resulting in more than half of the roadway being gone. Debris from the floodwater has collected in the pipe resulting in erosion of the soil. The rain also caused Gantt Road to be closed due to flood waters covering the roadway on Sunday morning. However, the roadway re-opened Monday afternoon. Residents near the area are being asked to stay away due to the asphalt being unstable as water continues to wash the soil from underneath the road. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=368 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to single vehicle accident this afternoon, at approximately 4:50, on Killian Road at the Brickmill Road intersection in Canton. The accident involved a black Jeep Cherokee that apparently left the roadway and landed on its top. A 16 year old female passenger had a possible head injury and was transported emergency in stable condition. An 18 year female passenger in the back was complaining of back pain, plus she had cuts and bruises and was also in stable condition. Both patients were transported to Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. According to Val Hice, Med Con operator and paramedic for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, The other passengers, 3 males, did not have any serious injuries. Killian Road was blocked until the clean-up operation was complete. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=367 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Six Cherokee County firefighters were promoted during ceremonies today at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices located at The Bluffs in Canton. Greg Erdely was promoted as the new Division Chief for Field Operations. Kerry Hughes was promoted to Battalion Chief. Shannon Gibbs was promoted to Captain and Ross Carmichael was promoted to Lieutenant. Plus, two firefighters, Clay Gridley and Heath King, were promoted to Sergeant. Greg Erdely, came to work for the fire department 18 years ago and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September of 1998 and promoted to Lieutenant in November of 2001. After being promoted to Captain in 2003, Erdley went on to become a Battalion Chief in 2005. Kerry Hughes has worked for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services for 25 years. In 1996, Hughes received his first promotion to Sergeant. Three years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant and in 2003 he became a Captain. Shannon Gibbs has been with the department since 1999 and was promoted to Sergeant two years later. He became a Lieutenant in 2008. Ross Carmichael s employment with the fire department started in 2001. He became a Sergeant in August of 2003. Clay Gridley has been with the department since 2007 and Heath King reported for work in 2008. Numerous firefighters, chiefs and family members attended the event. Congratulations to all that were promoted today. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=366 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a structure fire, at approximately 7 AM, at 1551 Wildwood Drive, near Highway 92, just west of Woodstock. A caller reported to Cherokee County 911 that flames were coming from the roof of the one story structure. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found heavy flames coming from the roofline. The owner of the house stated that a family of four was renting the house from him at the time. They were not at home when the fire occurred. However, a cat and a Great Dane perished in the fire. The fire created a big hole in the roof and caused major damage to the living room area. No injuries were reported and both lanes of Wildwood Drive were blocked until the operation was complete. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=365 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a two vehicle accident yesterday afternoon, at approximately 11:30, on Highway 140 near the Avery Road intersection. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a bucket truck and a Ford Fusion had collided. The driver of the Ford, a 41 year old female, had injuries to her left arm. The patient was conscious and alert and was transported to North Fulton Hospital. The driver of the bucket truck, a 41 year old male, was not injured. One lane of Highway 140 was blocked until the wreckage was cleared. The cause of the accident in currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=364 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and Canton Fire Department responded to a single vehicle accident on Saturday afternoon, at approximately 2:30, on Shoal Creek Road off Highway 140. The accident involved a green Ford Explorer that flipped over, landed on its top and ejected the driver. The driver, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, was transported by ambulance to Kennestone Hospital with head injuries. There was also a passenger inside the vehicle, but he left the scene of the accident. Both lanes of Shoal Creek Road were blocked until the wreckage was cleared. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=363 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a multi-vehicle accident this morning at approximately 10:30 am on Knox Bridge Highway near the entrance of the Veteran s Cemetery. When emergency service personnel arrived on the scen, they found seven vehicles involved in the late morning accident. The accident involve a Kia Optima, a BMW, Toyota Scion, Nissan Maxima, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and a Ford pick-up truck. The Kia, BMW and Toyota Corolla had major damage and the other vehicles sustained only minor damage. Fortunately, the drivers and the passengers only had minor injuries The driver and passenger of the BMW were heading to a memorial service at the Georgia National Cemetery when the accident occurred. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services transported the two to the cemetery after their statements were given to the Georgia State Patrol. The accident also resulted in both lanes of Knox Bridge Highway to be blocked. One lane was later opened for traffic. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=362 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and Canton Fire Department responded this afternoon, at approximately 1:45, to a possible drowning at the Hickory Log Reservoir in North Canton. Firefighters arrived on scene and talked to a witness to get a specific location as to where the drowning may have occurred. Apparently, a 17 year old male and a friend were fishing when the 17 year old decided to go into the water for a swim. Minutes later he went under and never resurfaced. The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Dive Team was dispatched to the scene to begin underwater search operations. Dive team members were told that the possible drowning victim went under about 30 feet from the bank. According to Cherokee County Assistant Fire Chief, Eddie Robinson, the area where the divers were searching was anywhere between 10 and 20 feet deep. He also said that the water temperature was around 55 degrees. The Cherokee County Dive team went into the water at approximately 4:30 this afternoon and the body of the young man was discovered approximately 30 minutes later or around 5 PM. The Hickory Log Reservoir opened to the public on March 22 nd of this year. The 411-acre lake has been stocked with various species of fish, and will allow boats with electric or unpowered boats like canoes and kayaks to enter the water. Swimming, however, is not allowed. This is the first drowning to occur in the lake. The Canton Police Department continues the investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=361 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST For the past several days, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services have been hosting a gentleman who is on a mission and a journey. It s a mission to show support for American veterans and their families and a journey that will take approximately 6 years to complete, after walking about 15,000 miles. Mac McQuown, a former United States Marine, has decided to walk to each of the fifty capitals of every state. It s through this journey that McQuown wants to bring awareness to the difficulties veterans and their families are going through today. His journey began on September 11, 2011, when he left his home in Strafford, Virgina, and walked to Ground Zero in New York City. After that, he headed south to Florida visiting seven capitals and walking through nine states that totaled 1,739 miles. Mac arrived at Cherokee County Fire Station #19 on Saturday to recoup from his journey, which he plans to resume on Wednesday morning. At that time, he will head west to Bartow County, and then go north towards Dalton to where he graduated high school in 1980 and visit with former classmates. McQuown will head south again and eventually west until he reaches California. His final destination will be Arlington National Cemetery. By the time McQuown finishes his journey, approximately 65,000 additional burials will have been held at the national cemetery. About 85% of his overnight stays have been at area fire stations. McQuown stated that he received a warm welcome from the Cherokee County firefighters, plus they have been very hospitable. Cherokee County firefighter, Matthew Richter, said, I was touched by what he's doing since I am a veteran. Several Cherokee County firefighters are veterans including the fire chief, Tim Prather, who was also a United States Marine. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services wishes Mac McQuown a safe journey and the best of luck! To learn more about McQuown s jo http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=360 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Twelve new fire recruits graduated from firefighter recruit school during ceremonies held on Friday night, April 5th, at the Cherokee High School Auditorium. The evening began with an invocation by Fire Chaplain, Dana McPherson, followed by the presentation of colors by the Cherokee County Fire Honor. The key-note speaker for the evening was retired Atlanta Fire Rescue Battalion Chief, Dan Diehl. Before the presentation of the certificates of completion, several of the recruits received special awards. The recipient of the Pinnacle Award for striving to reach the top due to dedication and hard-work in the Firefighter Recruit School Class was presented to Stefan St. Peter. The W. Clark Waters' Jr. Honor Graduate Award was presented to James Torrance. The award was named on behalf of Clark Waters, a Cherokee County firefighter, who passed away in 2004. Roberts was given the award in recognition of excellence in academics and leadership. Cherokee County Fire Chief, Tim Prather, Assistant Fire Chief, Eddie Robinson and Field Operations Chief, Greg Erdely, came forward and congratulated the new recruits and welcomed them to Cherokee County. The recruits were then asked to come forward to receive their certificates of completion. Those recruits receiving certificates were: Danyell Chalk, Tyler Coker, Bradley Dobbins, Blake Gilder, Matthew Knowles, Peter Lenas, Shane Ramey, Shannon Roberts, Stefan St. Peter, James Torrance, Nicholas Van Weele and Jordan Walden. After receiving their certificates, the graduate received the firefighter oath from Cherokee County Assistant Fire Chief, Tim Prather. The final moments of the graduation included comments from the Training Instructors who were Sgt. Scott Deal and Capt. Tom Pelletier. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=359 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and the Canton Fire Department responded to a three-vehicle accident this afternoon, at approximately 4:45, on Marietta Highway near the intersection of Knox Bridge Highway. The accident involved a red Dodge Neon, a white Chevrolet Tahoe and a white Toyota SUV. The passenger in the Neon was entrapped and had to be removed using the jaws of life. The passenger, a 35 year old male, and the driver, a 25 year old male, were transported to Kennstone Hospital complaining of head and neck injuries. The driver of the Tahoe, a 37 year old female, and the driver of the Toyota, a 23 year old female, did not have any injuries. A portion of Marietta Highway was blocked until the wreckage was cleared. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=358 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to an accident on I-575, near the Highway 140 exit ramp, just shortly after 2 o clock Sunday morning. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services arrived on the scene to find an AmeriMed ambulance involved in an accident. The ambulance was heading north on I-575 when it left the highway and struck some trees. The 22 year old male patient in the back of the ambulance was ejected from the vehicle. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the 32 year old female driver and a 48 year old female passenger were also injured. The driver was able to contact 911 about the accident. Several units from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene and later transported the three injured to Marietta s Kennestone Hospital. All three patients did not appear to have any serious injuries. The ambulance appeared to be a total loss. No additional injuries were reported. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=357 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST Thomas M. Brady Post #45 of the American Legion, located in Canton, Georgia, honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during their annual Community Service Awards Banquet that was held last night at the local legion hall. After a wonderful meal and brief history of the local American Legion Post, Commander Raymond Rollins presented awards to several employees with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. Recognized at this year s banquet were: Battalion 1 Firefighter Award Michael Sims Battalion 2 Firefighter Award Sgt. Nathan Roper Volunteer Firefighter Award Chief Robert Dobbs EMS Employee Award Sgt. Scott Townsend Fire Administration Award Sgt. Scott Deal Fire Prevention Award - Capt. Barry Gibson Special Operations Award Bob Pratt http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=356 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Chief, Tim Prather, and Cherokee Sheriff, Roger Garrison, presented Deidre Hollands, the Executive Director of CASA, with a check in the amount of $2,680.00 Thursday morning. The money was raised by the Cherokee Parks and Recreation through their annual Guns and Hoses 5K which was held in February. We at CASA are honored that Sheriff Garrison and Chief Prather chose CASA for Children as the beneficiary of this year s Guns N Hoses run, said CASA director Deidre Hollands. We would not be able to provide advocacy services to the vulnerable children in our county s foster care system without support like theirs. We are grateful to our county leaders and to all those who participated in the run for their compassion for the welfare of these children. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a nationwide movement of community volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children who are placed in foster care because they have been abused or neglected. These volunteers ensure that children s safety and well- being are promoted in juvenile court child protection proceedings. And above all, they advocate that every child should have the chance to grow up in a safe and permanent home. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=355 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a structure fire this afternoon, just shortly after 12:30, at 1462 Old Lathemtown Road. Firefighters arrived on scene minutes later to find a chicken house that was 50% involved. Earlier reports indicated that a neighbor saw flames coming out of the structure and contacted 911. The heavy winds caused the fire to spread quickly, but firefighters were able to contain the fire before it destroyed the entire chicken house. No injuries were reported and both lanes of Old Lathemtown Road were blocked until the operation was complete. The fire is currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=354 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST Safe Kids Cherokee County held an Appreciation Luncheon today at the Cherokee County Administrative offices. After a wonderful lunch, Safe Kids Cherokee County Coalition Leader, Chad Arp, introduced Angie Markwald, Marketing Chair for the Board of Directors for Safe Kids Georgia, who spoke to those gathered. Arp returned to the podium and told those gathered how much he appreciated the support of the local community. He continued by giving a review of the previous year. According to Coalition Leader, Chad Arp, Safe Kids Cherokee County worked in numerous injury prevention areas again in 2012. These areas of prevention were water safety, bike and pedestrian safety, crib safety, animal safety, fire safety and child passenger safety. Several organizations and agencies were recognized for their support of Safe Kids Cherokee County. At the conclusion of the luncheon, drawings were held for door prizes. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is the lead agency for Safe Kids Cherokee County. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=353 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services and Woodstock Fire Department responded to a structure fire this morning, shortly before 10:30, at 108 Eubanks Court. Cherokee County 911 received a call from a neighbor who stated that there was lots of white smoke coming from the two story residence. A second caller also stated that there was smoke coming from the roof. When the first engine arrived on scene, they could also see flames showing. Cherokee County firefighter, Eric Robidou, stated that flames were coming from the back corner of the structure. He also said that there was lots of fire, smoke and water damage inside the home. The residents of the home were not home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported and both lanes of Eubanks Court were blocked until the operation was completed. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=352 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a single vehicle accident yesterday afternoon, just shortly before 1 PM, on the northbound lane of I-575 at the bridge at lower Bethany Road. Emergency service personnel arrived on the scene minutes later to find a gold Ford Explorer had left the roadway and struck a bridge pillar. A life flight helicopter was put on stand-by, but was later cancelled. The driver of the vehicle, a 28 year old male, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. One lane of I-575 northbound was blocked until the clean-up was complete. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. http://www.cherokeecountyfire.org/media_read.cfm?e=351 tmcavender@cherokeega.com Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST