Cumming man dies in Thursday traffic accident

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Cumming man was killed Thursday evening when the 2021 Harley Davidson Softail he was riding was struck by a GMC Canyon on Canton Highway at the entrance to Green’s Corners Shopping Plaza.

Andrew Perillo, 31, was traveling east on Canton Highway after being stopped at the red light at Bethelview Road. His motorcycle was struck by an unidentified 16-year-old driver traveling west on Canton Highway. The driver of the GMC attempted to turn left into the shopping plaza and struck the motorcycle. Mr. Perillo was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Forsyth County Fire Department responded to the scene. The teen was uninjured in the crash. The crash remains under investigation by Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Specialist Unit.

Dawsonville man killed in motorcycle accident Thursday

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. —  Joshua Waldrip, 33, of Dawsonville was killed Thursday evening when his 2007 Kawasaki ZX600 crossed the centerline on Buford Dam Road and collided head on with a Mercedes Benz GLE.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Forsyth County Fire Department responded to the accident. Mr. Waldrip was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

Public Safety Agencies host Career Fair

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and 911 Center along with the Forsyth County Chamber will host a career fair on Saturday, Feb. 12, for individuals interested in learning more about starting or continuing a career in public safety.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center (3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd.) on the campus of Lanier Technical College.

“Public safety is more than a job; it’s a calling and the backbone of our community,” said Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Grimes. “If you are passionate about making a difference in your community and in the lives of others, a career in public safety could be the perfect fit for you. In addition to a rewarding career, Forsyth County offers exceptional benefits, including healthcare and generous retirements plans.”

A range of job openings are available with the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and 911 Center. Staff from each agency and the Forsyth Chamber will be on hand ready to discuss job duties, career qualifications and the benefits of working within Forsyth County and public safety.

All members of the public interested in learning more are welcome, and registration is not required. Career opportunities through Forsyth County government, including opportunities within the Fire Department and 911 Center, can be found by clicking here https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/forsyth?page=1

Career opportunities within the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office can be found by clicking here https://www.forsythsheriffcareers.com/careers

 

Forsyth County Fire Dept. Safety Poster Contest

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –The Forsyth County Fire Department invites all local third-grade students to share their artistic talents while promoting a commitment to safety in their annual Safety Poster Contest.

Students are asked to make an original poster about one of three themes:

  • Get Out and Stay Out (Do not go back into a burning building)
  • Seatbelt Safety (Passenger safety car seats and seatbelts)
  • Poison Prevention (Prevent accidental poisonings)

Submissions will be accepted through Feb. 25, and the winners of each theme will be announced March 11. Winners will be offered a socially distanced dessert party with their class and local firefighters, a Certificate of Accomplishment from the Forsyth County fire chief and winners will also have their artwork displayed in various Forsyth County government buildings.

Participants must fill out a release form, which can be found by clicking here, and attach it to the back of their poster for proper submission. For full information regarding contest rules, themes and release forms, please visit the Fire Department webpage.

For more information or questions, contact Fire Prevention Training Officer Erin Long by calling 770-205-4688 or emailing [email protected].

 

BOC can approve $4.3 million purchase to upgrade Fire Department Tuesday

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County Commissioners will consider awarding a sole source purchase totaling $4.3 million to Ten-8 for several fire apparatuses for the County Fire Department when they meet in a Tuesday work session at 2 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street in Cumming.

If approved, the purchase will include one Arrow Pumper Truck, one Arrow Aerial Tower Truck, one Arrow Heavy Rescue Squad Truck and, one Arrow HazMat Squad Truck.

The Board will then consider authorization for the Fire Department to apply for the Fiscal Year 2021 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. The application total is estimated at $1.7 million for the three-year period of performance of the Grant, which will be fully federally funded (no match required). If approved, the Department will hire/add six new Firefighter positions.

The Board will also consider:

  • Approval of a list of items as surplus with authorization for the Department of Procurement to dispose of accordingly;
  • Approval to award Bid 21-154-5211 for Construction of the Phase 5 Big Creek Greenway Trailhead for the Department of Parks and Recreation to Diversified Construction of Georgia, Inc. in the amount of $1,689,000.00;
  • Approval to award RFP 21-188-5211 for Phase 2 Lanierland Park Playground Design and Installation for the Department of Parks and Recreationto PlaySouth Playground Creators in the amount of $249,996.00;
  • Approval to award Bid 21-145-1620 to provide Commissioning Services for the County’s new Administration Building Bid 21-145-1620 to Total Systems Commissioning Authority Services, Inc. in the amount of $84,000.00;
  • Acceptance of the Council of Accountability Courts Judges State of Georgia Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program in the amount of $97,200.00, with no required match, through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES); Grant Period is from January 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022.  Funding will be used for emergency shelter for individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders that are currently participating in the Accountability Courts Program;
  • Authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to accept the award from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in the amount of $49,550.00 with no match required with approval of a Budget Resolution;
  • Authorization for staff to proceed with the Public Hearing process regarding a proposed abandonment of a portion of Era Road (a/k/a Old Tribble Road) as requested by HEPCM, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, to facilitate the Publix-anchored commercial development at the intersection of SR20 and Tribble Road;
  • Reappointment of Richard Neville as Counsel and Hearing Officer to the Civil Service Board for calendar year 2022;
  • Board reappointment of Kathy Echols as Clerk to the Civil Service Board for calendar year 2022;
  • County rdinances regarding build-for-rent communities;
  • A presentation regarding the future Employee Center with possible Board direction;
  • Authorization to hire an additional Deputy Sheriff for the purposes of adding an additional inmate litter and grass detail;
  • Adoption of the 2022-2026 5-year Capital Improvement Program;
  • A Resolution ratifying the proposed BOC District Boundary Map previously approved by the Board on Oct. 21, 2021, or to consider modified district boundaries;
  • Enabling legislation, with regard to qualifications for Board of Commissioners’ office.

Sheriff’s Office reports single-vehicle fatal accident

Press Release

On January 23, 2022 at approximately 3:00 a.m., Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were called to a single-vehicle crash on Martin Road near Cordova Lane.

A gray Chevrolet Silverado was traveling west on Martin Road and failed to negotiate the curve in the road between the Settingdown Road roundabout and Cordova Lane.  The truck ran off the roadway and struck a tree.  The driver, 21-year-old Glenn Worley of Dawsonville, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This case remains under investigation; however, speed and alcohol are considered to be  factors

Search for man missing in Lake Lanier continued through late Friday

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The search for an unidentified  man who is missing and presumed drowned in Lake Lanier at Mary Alice Park in Cumming continued for a second day and late into Friday afternoon (Dec. 17).

Mark McKinnon with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said it appears the man was working on his boat and slipped into the water and never resurfaced.

Division Chief Jason Shivers, with the Forsyth County Fire Department, said they were first dispatched to the scene at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, but the search was later suspended because of darkness.

The search resumed at 7:30 Friday morning. Shivers said they are operating from Mary Alice Park, and searching near Bald Ridge Creek and Bald Ridge Marina.

Game wardens with DNR, personnel with the Forsyth County Fire Department and authorities with the Army Corps of Engineers are part of the ongoing search.

 

 

Fire Dept. honors and promotes personnel at annual award ceremony

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTES AND PROVIDES AWARDS TO PERSONNEL DURING ANNUAL CEREMONY

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – In a ceremony held Saturday, Nov. 20, the Forsyth County Fire Department presented various awards and promoted 34 personnel during the department’s annual recognition ceremony. Family, friends and Fire Department staff attended the ceremony held at North Forsyth High School.

Awards were presented to personnel in the first portion of the ceremony. Life-Saved Awards were presented to Fire Department personnel in recognition of their outstanding actions when a lifethreatening situation occurred. Other awards included Unit Citation and Central EMS Employee Awards.

In the promotional portion of the event, 34 members of the department were formally promoted to their new positions of battalion chief, captain, lieutenant or fire apparatus operator.

Below are the names of all that received promotions along with their new title.

Battalion Chief Jay Davis Captain/Fire Instructor Sam Adams

Captain Josh Brown

Captain Brian DeStefano

Captain Amanda Gardner

Captain Brian Gary

Captain Jarrett Jenkins

Captain/Fire Instructor Jason Keyman

Captain Jon McPherson

Captain Jason Porter

Captain Todd Sliger

Lieutenant Billy Bean

Lieutenant Ryan Bramblett

Lieutenant Casey Cannon

Lieutenant James Cook

Lieutenant Shawn Corrigan

Lieutenant Chris Estrada

Lieutenant Colin Halligan

Lieutenant Jason Kinsey

Lieutenant Mathew Lilley

Lieutenant Clint Lively

Lieutenant Dawson Padgett

Lieutenant Chris Robert

Fire Apparatus Operator Drew Allingham

Fire Apparatus Operator Howie Barrett

Fire Apparatus Operator Anthony DiMercurio

Fire Apparatus Operator Tony Harris

Fire Apparatus Operator Tony Moore

Fire Apparatus Operator Jonathan Phan

Fire Apparatus Operator Ruben Ponce

Fire Apparatus Operator Nicholas Provost

Fire Apparatus Operator John Stancel

Fire Apparatus Operator Dylan Stow

Fire Apparatus Operator Bradley Williams

Lt. Kevin O’Connell,

Volunteer Firefighter Tim Greaves and Volunteer Firefighter Joe McNamara were also recognized for their recent retirements. “It is truly an honor to be able to recognize our personnel for a job well done,” said Fire Chief Barry Head. “I am proud to be able to work beside all of the men and women that serve in the Forsyth County Fire Department, and I appreciate all that they do for our community.”

Fire Department will begin annual Aerial’s House toy collection Nov. 15

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Forsyth County Fire Department is best known for saving lives. But, for the 19th straight year, it will save Christmas for many families in need with the annual Aerial’s House toy collection.

“The Fire Department is honored to continue a wonderful initiative that brings joy to children and families during such a special time of the year,” said Forsyth County Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers. “We appreciate the community’s support for this program.”

In 2020, over 6,500 toys were collected during the drive helping to provide a brighter Christmas for nearly 2,300 Forsyth County children.

The initiative gets its name from a piece of equipment which is used by the Fire Department known as an aerial ladder truck. New or gently used coats for children or adults may also be donated and will be distributed to those in need. New, unwrapped toys for local children in need (between newborn and 18 years old), along with new or gently used coats, may be dropped off into a contactless collection bin at any Forsyth County fire station or the Fire Department Headquarters (3520 Settingdown Rd.) beginning Nov. 15 through Dec. 10.

In December, donations for Aerial’s House may also be dropped off inside the lobby of the Forsyth County Administration Building (110 E. Main St.) underneath the Christmas tree located in the lobby.

In addition, over 1,200 coats were collected and distributed. To receive information regarding the distribution of toys collected through Aerial’s House, call The Place of Forsyth County at (770) 887-1098. For other questions such as making a large donation or drop offs, please call Firefighter Jeff Lyons at (678) 513-5899.

Three firefighters injured in house fire that appears to be arson

Featured Stories

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – A house fire believed to be arson at 4305 Hopewell Manor Drive injured three Forsyth County firefighters late Wednesday evening.

Fire Division Chief Jason Shivers said one firefighter who suffered significant burns to his upper extremities was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Another suffered first degree burns and a third suffered second degree burns. Neither was transported to the hospital. Shivers did not release the identities of the men.

Shivers explained that shortly after a four-man team entered the home and began an initial fire attack, conditions changed quickly and the fire overtook them.

Shivers said the crew experienced a flashover which is caused by thermal radiation feedback resulting in the sudden involvement of a room or an area in flames from floor to ceiling.

“We are most concerned, of course, about the firefighter transported to Grady. He is alert and conscious, except when in treatment, but has a very long road ahead of him. He is a husband and a father.” He also asked for prayers for the firefighters and their families.

“We are investigating this as arson,” he said.

 

S.C. man dies after being struck by truck

Featured Stories

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — On Saturday (July 10) at approximately 11:20a.m., Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department were dispatched to the Hickory Lakeside subdivision off Pilgrim Mill Road in reference to a pedestrian that was run over by a vehicle.

Based on the on-scene investigation, the victim, identified as 49-year-old Brian Crook of Piedmont, SC, was cleaning a concrete pump truck after pumping concrete for a house under construction.  Mr. Crook set a barrel with water on the edge of the roadway so he could clean the piping on the concrete pump truck.  During the process, an air pocket from the piping on the concrete pump truck forcefully pushed Mr. Crook backwards into the roadway, where he was struck by a 2007 Ford F750 dump truck.  Mr. Crook was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Forsyth County Fire Department notified OSHA.  This case remains under investigation.

 

 

Fire Department graduates latest recruit class

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. –In a ceremony held Saturday, June 19, the Forsyth County Fire
Department graduated its newest recruit class. Family, friends and Fire Department staff attended the ceremony held at Local Church Forsyth.

During the ceremony, 11 recruits officially became Forsyth County firefighters while one Johns Creek Fire Department recruit also completed training. The recruits completed 18 weeks of intense firefighter training which included instruction on structural fire control, interior search and rescue, flammable and combustible liquids fire control, pressurized container fire control, fire hose testing, truck and engine company operations, hazardous materials awareness and operations, vehicle extrication, public utilities gas/electric safety and terrorism awareness.

In total, each recruit completed more than 640 hours of certified fire training. Following the fire school portion of their training, the recruits then completed 18 weeks of emergency medical technician, or EMT, training. During the EMT school portion, each recruit completed a total of 720 hours of EMT classroom and clinical instruction. All became certified as nationally registered EMTs. Those graduates
were:
• Eric Bizzell, Jr.
• Jeremiah Chapman
• Cole Dudley
• Daniel Gartavel
• Jordan Hardee
• Zachary Junkin
• Adam Martin
• Madelyn Martin
• Erik Prieto
• Andrew Pulliam
• Stephen Pulliam
• Yaakov Baum (Johns Creek Fire Department)

“We are pleased to welcome these new members of the Forsyth County Fire Department family,” said Fire Chief Barry Head. “Each graduation ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the brave men and women who are entering the profession of serving our communities.”

Countywide burn ban goes into effect May 1

Press Release

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A countywide, state-mandated ban on outdoor burning goes into effect
Saturday, May 1, and lasts through Sept. 30. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning including the
burning of leaves, yard debris and storm damage.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes this annual ban on outdoor burning to
comply with federal clean air regulations and to help improve Georgia’s air quality during the hot
summer months, a time when people, particularly young children, are more likely to be outdoors. This outdoor activity also coincides with an increase in ground-level ozone, which is most commonly produced in the heat of the summer and can cause lung inflammation and other health issues, and particle pollution, which is created by open burning.

For more details regarding outdoor burning regulations, click here, follow the Forsyth County Fire
Department on Facebook or call the Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at (678)
455-8072.

Jefferson man killed in single-vehicle accident

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A Jefferson County man was killed in a single-vehicle accident Wednesday (Mar. 31) at approximately 12:45 p.m. near Browns Bridge Road and Little Mill Road.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the Forsyth County Fire Department were dispatched to  the scene where the driver of a 2007 Crown Victoria, 68-year-old Robert J. Phillips, was unresponsive and was transported to a local hospital.

Stacie Miller, Public Information Officer with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said, “The on-scene investigation revealed the Crown Victoria was traveling east on Browns Bridge Road towards Little Mill Road.  The driver was in the process of passing slower traffic when he hydroplaned, lost control, and left the roadway. After the vehicle left the roadway, it rotated and struck a tree, then continued backwards and struck a larger tree.”

  Mr. Phillips was pronounced deceased at the hospital. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug impairment. The crash remains under investigation.

Poultry farm fire not believed to be suspicious

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – A poultry farm fire that killed about 17,000 birds Monday may have been the result of a mechanical failure.

Forsyth County Fire Department Division Chief Nathan Shivers said “Nothing about this appears to be suspicious. All indications are it was some kind of mechanical failure, although it is under investigation.”

The blaze took place off Pea Ridge Road in North Forsyth County near the Dawson County line and was reported about 4:30 p.m. The chicken house was fully involved when the firefighters arrived.

“Those buildings burn very, very quickly because they are such big, open, cavernous spaces,” Shivers said. “Fortunately we were able to keep the fire from spreading to the other 11 buildings on the property and there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.”

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worker in stable condition after trench collapses

News

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – A construction worker suffered injuries to his lower extremities but is lucky to be alive today after a trench he was working in collapsed on him in the Habersham Gates subdivision just off Buford Highway, trapping him from the waist down.

“Fortunately it didn’t cover his head or his chest,” said Forsyth County Fire Department Division Chief Jason Shivers. “Those types of collapses are very heavy because of this heavy Georgia clay. There is a lot of weight there.”

It is also fortunate that Fire Station 15 is right around the corner from the accident site, literally a few hundred yards away.

“The fire crews were able to get to him quickly and I believe their rapid response helped lead to a successful recovery,” Shivers said.

The man, who has not been identified, was transported to North Fulton Hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition Wednesday morning.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and the cause of the collapse will be investigated.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

 

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