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