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March 23, 2026

Chattooga County Firefighter Recruit Class Reaches Major Certification Milestone

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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

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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

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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.

March 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Launches “Adopt a Dispatcher” Program for Telecommunicators Week

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Walker County is inviting community members to show appreciation for local emergency dispatchers through a new “Adopt a Dispatcher” program ahead of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will be observed April 12–18.

Dispatchers are often the first voice heard during emergencies, providing life-saving guidance to callers while coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel.

Through the program, residents, businesses, and organizations can fill out a short form on the county’s website to be matched with a member of the Walker County E-911 team. Participants will receive basic information about the dispatcher they adopt to help inspire messages of appreciation such as handwritten notes, drawings, or small gifts.

Curtis Creekmur, Director of E-911, said dispatchers play a vital role in public safety, working behind the scenes around the clock to connect those in need with emergency services.

Community members interested in participating can sign up at walkercountyga.gov/adoptadispatcher or email r.pope@walkerga.us. The deadline to participate and deliver appreciation items is April 6, 2026.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Police Investigating Possible Assault Following Medical Call

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Summerville Police are investigating a possible assault after officers responded to a medical call earlier this week.

February 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Menlo Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Willingham Honored with Lifesaving Valor Award at Georgia State Capitol

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Menlo Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Willingham was recognized Tuesday in Atlanta at the Georgia State Capitol, receiving the Lifesaving Valor Award for his heroic actions during a house fire in May of 2025 that resulted in a life being saved.

January 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Coroner “Big Mac” McElhaney Urges Residents to Add Emergency Contacts to Georgia License Records

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Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney is reminding residents about a free, simple way to help first responders reach loved ones faster in an emergency: add emergency contact information to your Georgia driver’s license or ID record.

January 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Sheriff’s Office Honors Years of Service and 2025 Employees of the Year

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Sergeant Bruce Coker and Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing several employees for their dedicated service and announcing its 2025 Employee of the Year honorees across multiple divisions.

December 19, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Atrium Health Floyd EMS Launches On-Scene Blood Transfusions for Floyd County; Chattooga County Expansion Planned for Early 2026

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Atrium Health Floyd Emergency Medical Services is raising the bar for emergency response in Northwest Georgia by equipping ambulance teams with life-saving blood products and plasma to begin transfusions before patients reach the hospital—a move clinicians say can significantly improve survival in severe trauma and bleeding emergencies.

December 16, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia DPS Graduates New Commercial Vehicle Officers Following 19 Weeks of Training

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The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) marked a major milestone Friday with the graduation of its 14th Commercial Vehicle Officer (CVO) School at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.