#firstresponders | AM 1180 Radio

April 22, 2026

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #communicationsofficer, #CommunityCareers, #e911, #EmergencyServices, #firstresponders, #HiringNow, #JobOpportunity, #NowHiring, #NWGAJobs, #PublicSafety, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 is now accepting applications for full-time Communications Officers, offering an opportunity to serve on the front lines of public safety.

The position features a split shift schedule, typically from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., with a rotating schedule of two days on and two days off, along with every other weekend consisting of three days on and three days off. Officials note that flexibility is required, as employees may be asked to cover additional shifts.

Starting pay is $16 per hour, with scheduled raises, including increases after the first six weeks, again after another six weeks, and an additional raise around the one-year mark.

Applicants must obtain state certification to maintain employment. Initial training is provided in-house, followed by a required one-week POST Communications Officer course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, which includes an on-campus stay.

Those interested can apply by calling 706-857-3400, selecting option 1 or 2.

Officials say the role is critical in helping guide emergency response efforts, serving as a calm and steady voice for those in need.

April 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

AdventHealth Redmond EMS Launches New Paramedic Training Program

Local News, Local News Items #BreakingNews, #CommunityHealth, #EmergencyMedicalServices, #EMS, #firstresponders, #floydcountyga, #healthcarecareers, #HealthcareTraining, #LocalHealthcare, #MedicalTraining, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #ParamedicProgram, #Paramedics, #RedmondRegional, #RomeGA, #WorkforceDevelopment, #wzqznews, AdventHealth 0

AdventHealth Redmond EMS has launched a new paramedic training program aimed at strengthening emergency medical care across Northwest Georgia.

The program officially began April 8 and includes an inaugural class of 16 certified EMTs who are current AdventHealth team members. The 45-week program is designed to provide advanced clinical training, hands-on experience, and patient-centered emergency care.

Officials say the program will help expand career opportunities for EMS workers while improving response capabilities and patient outcomes in the region. Upon completion of the first cohort, the program will seek full accreditation.

“Launching this program allows our team members to expand their knowledge and skills so they can better serve our community,” said Nina Piatt, EMS captain and program director.

AdventHealth leaders say the initiative is part of a broader effort to invest in workforce development and build a stronger emergency response system by training paramedics locally.

The program is currently offered exclusively to AdventHealth EMTs at a reduced cost compared to traditional training programs.

Hospital officials say graduates will be equipped to deliver advanced, life-saving care and help ensure high-quality treatment for patients during critical emergencies.

April 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County EMA/E-911 Hiring Full-Time Communications Officers

Local News, Local News Items #CareerOpportunity, #chattoogacounty, #communicationsofficer, #DispatcherJobs, #e911, #EmergencyServices, #firstresponders, #GeorgiaJobs, #HiringNow, #JobOpportunity, #LocalJobs, #northwestgeorgia, #NowHiring, #PublicSafety, #ServeYourCommunity, #wzqznews 0

Chattooga County EMA and E-911 is now hiring full-time Communications Officers, offering an opportunity to serve on the front lines of public safety.

April 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd Honors Community Partnerships At Flagpole Dedication In Chattooga County

Local News, Local News Items #atriumhealthfloyd, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyChamberOfCommerce, #ChattoogaCountyEMS, #ChattoogaEmergencyDepartment, #CommunityPartnership, #CommunityService, #EmergencyCare, #firstresponders, #FlagpoleDedication, #HealthcareInChattooga, #HealthcareNews, #LocalHealthcare, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #ScoutingAmerica, #summervillega, #Troop7, #VFWPost6688, #wzqznews 0

Atrium Health Floyd recently joined community leaders, local organizations, and first responders for a Flagpole Dedication Ceremony at its freestanding emergency department in Chattooga County, highlighting the healthcare system’s longstanding commitment to the community it has served for more than 80 years.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Future Of Historic Rome Courthouse Remains Uncertain

Local News, Local News Items #BreakingNews, #CommunityImpact, #CommunityNews, #CourthouseFire, #DowntownRome, #EmergencyResponse, #FireDamage, #FireInvestigation, #firstresponders, #FloydCounty, #FloydCountyCourthouse, #GeorgiaHistory, #georgianews, #HistoricBuilding, #HistoricPreservation, #HistoricRome, #LandmarkLoss, #LocalGovernment, #LocalHistory, #northwestgeorgia, #northwestgeorgianews, #PublicSafety, #RomeGA, #romegeorgia, #RomeNews, #wzqznews 0

Officials in Rome say there is still significant uncertainty surrounding the future of the historic Floyd County Courthouse following a massive fire that tore through the landmark.

March 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga To Mark Child Abuse Prevention Month With Annual Pinwheel Ceremony Today

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaDFCS, #ChattoogaFamilyConnection, #ChattoogaSheriff, #ChildAbusePreventionMonth, #ChildAdvocacy, #CommunitySupport, #DowdyPark, #FamilySupport, #firstresponders, #LocalNews, #NationalChildAbusePreventionMonth, #northwestgeorgia, #PinwheelCeremony, #ProtectOurChildren, #summervillega, #SupportFamilies, #trionga, #WearBlue, #wzqznews 0

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Chattooga County will recognize the occasion with its Annual Pinwheel Ceremony today, Tuesday, March 31. Chattooga DFCS and Chattooga Family Connection will host the ceremony at 11 a.m. at Dowdy Park as part of local efforts to raise awareness and show support for children and families.

March 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Floyd EMS Honored As Region 1 Service Of The Year, Local Paramedic Recognized

Local News, Local News Items #atriumhealthfloyd, #chattoogacounty, #CommunityHeroes, #EmergencyServices, #EMS, #firstresponders, #georgianews, #GregHawkins, #Hawk, #northwestgeorgia, #PioneerAward, #PublicSafety, #Region1EMS, #ServiceOfTheYear, #wzqznews 0

Atrium Health Floyd EMS has been named Georgia Region 1 EMS Service of the Year, highlighting the organization’s dedication to emergency care across Northwest Georgia.

In addition to the agency honor, Chattooga County paramedic Greg Hawkins, known as “Hawk,” received the prestigious Dr. James Creel Pioneer Award, recognizing outstanding service and leadership in emergency medical services.

The awards were presented by the Northwest Georgia Regional Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council on March 26, 2026.

Local officials and colleagues are praising both Atrium Floyd EMS and Hawkins for their commitment to saving lives and serving their communities with excellence.

WZQZ News congratulates all involved on this well-deserved recognition.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Firefighter Recruit Class Reaches Major Certification Milestone

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaFireRescue, #CommunityNews, #Congratulations, #EmergencyResponse, #FirefighterCertification, #FirefighterRecruitClass, #FirefighterTraining, #FireService, #firstresponders, #HaysStatePrison, #LiveBurnTraining, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SkillsTesting, #StateTest, #WrittenExam, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga County 2026 Firefighter Recruit Class is being recognized for reaching an important milestone in their training after successfully completing a live burn and passing a key state exam required in the firefighter certification process.

March 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Fire under Investigation at Sloppy Floyd Lake Road Residence

Local News, Local News Items #BreakingNews, #chattoogacounty, #CommunityNews, #EmergencyResponse, #Firefighters, #FireInvestigation, #firstresponders, #GoreFireDepartment, #HaysCorrectional, #HouseFire, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PublicSafety, #SloppyFloydLakeRoad, #StructureFire, #SummervilleFireDepartment, #summervillega, #wzqznews 0

Firefighters responded Monday to a structure fire at 251 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. Summerville, Hays Correctional and Gore fire departments all responded to the scene.

Fire officials told WZQZ News the fire is believed to have started at the front of the residence, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Firefighters say suppression efforts were complicated by a large amount of material in and around the front of the home, which added fuel to the fire.

Officials said this was the second structure fire reported on the property this year.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion Lodge #160 Hosting First Responders Breakfast April 18

Local News, Local News Items #ChattoogaCountyGA, #CommunityBreakfast, #CommunitySupport, #EmergencyServices, #EMS, #Firefighters, #firstresponders, #LocalEvents, #MasonicLodge, #northwestgeorgia, #police, #SupportFirstResponders, #trionga, #TrionLodge160, #wzqznews 0

Trion Lodge #160 will host a First Responders Breakfast on Saturday, April 18, honoring the men and women who serve their communities in emergency response roles.

The breakfast will be held from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the lodge, located at 75 Seventh Street in Trion.

First responders attending can enjoy a hearty breakfast menu that includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy.

Organizers say the event is a way to show appreciation and support for those who work in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, and other first responder roles throughout the area.

All first responders are welcome to attend.