Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services members were recognized Thursday evening at the 2026 Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS Awards Banquet for their outstanding service and commitment to emergency medical care across the region.
Five members of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services received the Richard Gray MD Excellence in Trauma Care Award. Ross Young, Heath Weekly, Matt Belesi, Shaun Allen and Evan Wolf were honored for their actions during a critical incident on July 9, 2025, when crews responded to a traumatic cardiac arrest after an individual became trapped beneath a vehicle when a jack failed in a bank drive through.
Firefighters from Engine 7 and Squad 7 arrived to find the victim pinned beneath a vehicle that was wedged between curbs, making traditional lifting tools ineffective. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the firefighters, who are licensed paramedics and EMTs, worked alongside local law enforcement officers to physically lift the vehicle and free the trapped patient.
Once extricated, the patient was found pulseless and unresponsive. Crews immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts including CPR, assisted ventilations, needle decompression and intravenous access. After one cycle of CPR, the patient achieved return of spontaneous circulation.
Firefighters continued treatment, packaged the patient and transported to a local hospital. Despite suffering severe chest trauma, internal injuries, pneumothorax, hemothorax and cardiac arrest, the patient survived, was extubated within two days and ultimately walked out of the hospital.
The actions of these five members demonstrated exceptional teamwork, quick decision making and clinical excellence under extremely challenging conditions. Their efforts directly contributed to a remarkable outcome and exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical care.
During the ceremony, retired CCFES Division Chief of EMS Danny West was also recognized with the Dr. Paul “Nasty” Nassour Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is named after a pioneering regional medical director who passed away in 2015 and honors professionals who have made significant long term contributions to emergency medical services.
West served Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services for decades and played a vital role in advancing emergency medical care, strengthening training programs, and mentoring countless paramedics and EMTs throughout his career. His leadership and dedication helped shape the delivery of emergency medical services both within Cherokee County and across the Northwest Georgia region.
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services congratulates Ross Young, Heath Weekly, Matt Belesi, Shaun Allen, Evan Wolf and retired EMS Division Chief Danny West on these well deserved recognitions and thanks them for their continued commitment to serving the community.