Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services proudly recognized numerous members during last week’s Board of Commissioners Work Session for exceptional service, bravery, and life-saving actions in the line of duty. The following awards were presented:
Unit Citation:
Richard Mitchell, Michael Turberville, Troy Kizer, Mike Thomas, Deombre Jones, Anna Bowyer, Brody Miller, Jacob Householder, Austin Hrossowyc, Corey Wester, Beau Witcher, Nathan Baum, Stanley Ice, and Don Maloney were honored for their response to a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Their technical expertise, teamwork, and decisive patient care under pressure contributed to a successful rescue and the patient’s remarkable recovery.
Unit Citation:
Nathan Croft, Scott Deal, Josh McCord, Eddie Robinson, Kenny Robinson, and Cesar Saavedra were recognized for their courageous actions while assisting with a 2,500-acre brush fire. Despite being cut off by fire and lacking water supply, they protected nearby homes until additional resources secured a safe route.
Unit Citation:
Shannon Gibbs, Chad Huff, Justin Sanders, Brandon Watkins, John Frankham, Reece Young, Josh Wilkie, Ryan Laughridge, Stephen McGowan, Nathan Croft, Matthew Lilliquist, Matthew Brooks, Austin Wyatt, David Webb, Benjamin Hutchinson, Gabriel Phillips, Alissa Whetstone, Seth Grummer, Matthew Reilly, Jeffery Garrett, Hudson Brandenberg, Ryan McElwee, Scott Gwinn, and Chris Martin were recognized for their efficiency and professionalism during an entrapment incident, helping ensure rapid transport and improved patient outcomes.
EMS Lifesaver Award & Fire Chief’s Civilian Lifesaver Award:
Brian Thompson, Bryson Guinn, Stephan St. Peter, Daniel Elrod, and Austin Stumpf received the EMS Lifesaver Award, while Kiersten Olvey was honored with the Fire Chief’s Civilian Lifesaver Award for their coordinated response to a cardiac arrest.
Ms. Olvey’s actions were especially noteworthy. Having recently completed CPR certification, she immediately began lifesaving measures on her mother with calm determination. Guided by clear instructions from an E-911 dispatcher, she provided effective, continuous CPR until crews arrived. Her quick thinking, willingness to act, and ability to apply her training under extreme stress played a critical role in saving her mother’s life. Her actions exemplify the vital importance of community CPR training and the life-saving partnership between citizens and emergency services.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication, courage, and professionalism our personnel and community members demonstrate every day,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “We are incredibly proud of their commitment to protecting and serving Cherokee County.”
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services congratulates all recipients and thanks them for upholding the highest traditions of the fire service.