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Firefighter Appreciation Day was held today at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to firefighters and recognized many for their service to their communities. Also speaking to those gathered included Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker and new Speaker of the House David Ralston.

After the ceremonies at the capitol, firefighters were invited to the 15 Annual Firefighters Recognition Day Luncheon at the Georgia State University Student Center Ballroom and hosted by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Captain Brian Wildeman, with the training division of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services, was recognized first as he was awarded a plaque in recognition of his hard work during the first annual Georgia Firefighters Charity Golf Classic. Wildeman, who was the chairman of the event, raised $11,045.64 for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. The event was held in September at Callahan Golf Links, off Highway140, near Waleska.

Cherokee County firefighters received the 4th place trophy for collecting $51,204.08 during their annual boot drive this past year. Funds from the boot drive assist many project sponsored by the Georgia Firefighter Burn Foundation including burn camp, burn centers, grants and education.