Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is recognizing the South Georgia firefighters who battled this year’s historic wildfires with an official U.S. Senate Commendation.
Since the outbreak of this year’s historic wildfires on April 22, hundreds of Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) personnel and volunteer and paid firefighters worked tirelessly to protect families, communities, and homes in South Georgia.
After burning over 50,000 acres, the Pineland Road and Highway 82 Fires were fully contained thanks to the service of hundreds of firefighters across South Georgia.
“As Georgia’s U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend these Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters for answering the call once more on behalf of the State of Georgia,” Sen. Ossoff said.
Please find Sen. Ossoff’s Official U.S. Senate Commendation to South Georgia firefighters here in the Congressional Record and below:
“Mr. President, I rise today to commend the service and bravery of the hundreds of Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters who worked to suppress wildfires that have ravaged over 50,000 acres in South Georgia this year.
“Since April, these fires forced hundreds of families from their homes across South Georgia. Combined, the Highway 82 Fire and Pineland Road Fire have destroyed over a hundred homes.
“State officials have said both fires are now fully contained, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Hundreds of volunteer and paid firefighters have been working around the clock to stop these devastating fires to protect our communities.
“Since 1921, the Georgia Forestry Commission has provided leadership, service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia’s forest resources, including defending our State from over 2,300 wildfires annually. These firefighters have now added another chapter to this proud legacy, defeating these unprecedented fires with professionalism and dedication under the leadership of GFC Director Johnny Sabo.
“Mr. President, with gratitude for their service, as Georgia’s U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend these Georgia Forestry Commission personnel, volunteers, and paid firefighters for answering the call once more on behalf of the State of Georgia.”
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