Fire Chief Kauffman becomes Chief Fire Officer

Featured Stories, News

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – More than just a reversal of words, going from Fire Chief to Chief Fire Officer is an international credential that only chief officers serving at or above the level of battalion chief can achieve. Gilmer Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman, serving at the top level of Gilmer Fire, has joined these ranks this month as he completed the designation process on August 2, 2022.

An international designation, only 1,755 Chief Fire Officers (CFO) exist worldwide, with 66 in the state of Georgia. The program is a part of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation that helps high-performing fire departments and emergency services professionals in their efforts to continuously improve.

Kauffman initiated the process with a mind set to self-improvement and career reflection as he set out to achieve this new title committing to both fire and emergency services as well as professional growth through the process’ requirement to create a future development plan. Kauffman said, “It adds credibility to the department, to the position that I am in. I owe it to the commission, I feel, to continue to advance my knowledge and anything that I could bring to the table that would improve the department, improve the county and Fire Department at large.”

Kauffman noted that many offices looking for higher level chiefs and leaders have Chief Fire Officer Designations as preferences for those applying.

According to a statement from the CPSE, “The Designation program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence.”

Officer

Gilmer Fire Chief, and now Chief Fire Officer, Daniel Kauffman

In his own professional development plan, Chief Kauffman included both plans for his own improvement and the county’s fire department like the Company Officer Development Academy, a training process involving over 240 hours of training that goes through Fire Officer 1 state certification and Instructor 1 state certification. He also spoke on partnering with Gilmer Schools to offer training and work programs with them for Gilmer High School to offer Fire Fighter 1 certification and EMT training. As a part of that pathway, Gilmer could hire those students directly after graduating. This offers yet another path to students who may not want to go to college or the military and for those who wish to stay in Gilmer with this as a job ready and waiting for them.

With these as two examples of the work that Kauffman is continuing in Gilmer County, the designation also begins digging into his own history and focusing on strengths and weaknesses as part of that process and peer review that Kauffman said has been a goal over the past two years. Continuing to pursue designations and certificates for himself as well, Kauffman said its not a “selfish thing,” but rather a self-improvement journey that isn’t stopping here. Alongside the three-year renewal process for Chief Fire Officer, Kauffman is already setting his sights on the next path to take. With much of the information gathered already, he doesn’t want to waste any time in pursuing the Georgia Fire Chief Certification.

Kauffman is already preparing to begin the new process and hopes to have it completed by March, 2023. This next certification requires its own point system to even qualify to apply. With much of the information able to transfer from his recent designation for Chief Fire Officer, he hopes to capitalize on his momentum so far.

Continuing that pursuit of improvement and notoriety, Kauffman points again to the county saying that he wants to continue being able to bring more back to the county in terms of his service and knowledge. He stated, “In the position of Fire Chief, if you can meet the qualifications of this or that, I think its important that you put yourself out there and do it.”

Of the 66 CFOs in Georgia that Kauffman joins, most are located in larger organizations in the major cities like the Atlanta area. The closest CFO to Gilmer according to the CPSE website appears to be in Canton, Georgia.

Valid for three years, Kauffman will need to continue maintaining this designation through continued visible growth in professional areas, membership, and community involvement as well as a “strict code of professional conduct.” Though he said he doesn’t have any undertaking the process as of now, Kauffman said it is a designation that he would encourage any of Gilmer’s Battalion Chiefs, Deputy Chief, and any firefighters capable of pursuing other designations in the CPSE.

Friday will see protest against Build An Ark in Ellijay

News
Build An Ark

ELLIJAY, Ga. – With permits and permission completed, a group of citizens will be gathering this Friday Morning outside of the Gilmer County Courthouse in a planned protest against Build An Ark animal rescue.

Looking for a peaceful protest according to statements made, the group is gathering in the county parking lot next to the courthouse and behind the Gilmer Chamber Downtown Welcome Center.

According to Martha Cash, one of those who sparked the idea and initiated the protest, they planned the protest to line up with the arraignment of Susan Littlejohn, of Build An Ark, on animal cruelty charges.

Coosawattee has already terminated the rental contract for Build An Ark in February according to reports and Gilmer County’s Animal Control has taken animals from the facility. However, this is not the first time that Build An Ark has been investigated. Complaints and reports in 2017 saw the Department of Agriculture investigate allegations at the site. At that time, Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told FYN that cases like this are referred to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources as they are better equipped and better trained for such investigations.

The Department of Agriculture is once again involved this year as Build An Ark again faces allegations on animal cruelty. Vets have been onsite and forced relinquishment of animals in the rescue. Cash said that Gilmer County Animal Shelter Director Daniel Laukka has been “instrumental in getting most of the animals out.”

However, Linda Lowe, another of the organizers for Friday’s protest, said that eviction isn’t the end of the issue. She is pushing to remove the remainder of the animals from the facility. Lowe stated that there are three other rescue organizations looking to take the rest of the animals. Lowe volunteered at Build An Ark for four years and is setting the protest to send a message to the judge for Friday that she wants a prevention from any possibility for Susan to go somewhere else and start again.

Lowe stated, “We need people to help us with this.”

Now, with social media posts also advertising the protest, citizens are gathering to, as one post on Ellijay PETS stated, “bring awareness and express a desire to see Susan held accountable for this animal house of horror.”

However, despite statements from citizens, the court case is only in its beginning stages and no conviction has been made yet. Build an Ark stated in 2017 that they have been investigated four times by the Department of Agriculture upon claims before, all of which resulted in no citations.

The protest is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. downtown.

Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Micah

Fast & Furriest

Meet Micah, an 8 month old, 20 lb. lab/flat coat mix. Micah has had a tough life in such a short time. He’s recently been rescued from a hoarding situation with 25+ dogs. He has had limited experience with the human touch until he got to Homeward Bound. We are socializing him with the volunteers and other dogs. He is learning to trust. Micah has never been house trained and we are working on that but it takes consistency that only a home where someone can supervise regularly. He’s catching on and connecting the dots about what to do when he’s out walking. He’s an eager student and am sure he’ll do well.
For more information about the Homeward Bound Pet Rescue pets, check out our website and apply online: www.hbpr.org. We are always looking for volunteers to foster and help with socializing our cats and dogs. We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Brush fire erupts in Gilmer threatening at least one home

News
fire

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Smoke is billowing into the sky above Gilmer County’s mountains as Fire and Rescue are rushing to the scene today. Fighting the fire right now, Gilmer has six response units on scene when Gilmer Public Safety’s Information Officer Al Cash spoke to FYN.

These six units are the core of Gilmer’s response right now, however, Cash confirmed that volunteers are also helping on scene and that Pickens County is also responding with units. Cash did not say how many units Pickens is sending as he noted they are still in the early stages of fighting the blaze

Citizens in town are pointing towards Talona Mountain as response against the brush fire is already underway. Currently Fire Rescue is sending up drones and working towards gaining more information on the fire in terms of size and intensity.

Cash did confirm that at least one house is in serious danger and authorities are working to contain the blaze as fast as possible.

Gilmer’s Public Safety put up a warning yesterday on Social Media about the potential danger for such a blaze due to conditions. A special weather statement noted low relative humidities in North and Central Georgia. The statement posted said, “Humidities of 25 percent or less can be expected for 4 or more hours this afternoon into the evening.” Though that statement spoke only to yesterdays conditions, the current fire broke out earlier today.

So early into the fight against the fire, no information will be available as to a specific cause or whether the current weather conditions contributed to it.

Citizens should avoid the area as emergency response vehicles are continuing to move through the area. Heavy equipment could also be brought in, including bulldozers to help establish a fireline.  Public Safety said they will offer more information once they have ascertained the magnitude of the fire and fully mobilized their resources against it.

FYN will post new stories when updates are available.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week! Tinsel

Fast & Furriest

 

Meet Tinsel, a stray whom nobody claimed while in animal control.  This beautiful, young girl is between 1-2 years old; 35 lbs. and has a ton of energy.  She would surely benefit from a fenced yard and an active family.

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Twix

Fast & Furriest

Meet Twix, a 3 year old mix breed, who is shy at first but then wants to dazzle you with his figure 8 zoomies and plays hide and go seek in our fenced agility pen.  He will chase a ball but is not quite sure what do  with it once he has it. Twix appears to be ok with other dogs; cats are an unknown.  He is going to be a good dog for someone who can give him the love and confidence he needs.

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Stormy!

Community, Fast & Furriest

Stormy is smiling and learning to trust again!  She has been rescued from the storm and is waiting for someone to say, “That’s my girl!” and provide a forever home.  Stormy is a 50 lb. 7 or 8 year old Sharpei mix.  She is house trained, gentle on a leash and her former foster mom said she is a wonderful snuggler.  

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org   We are located between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, GA.

Homeward Bound Pet of the Week: Maizy

Community, Fast & Furriest

Meet Maizy, a beautiful  45 lb., 1 ½  year old Heeler/Hound mix.  She is an owner surrender due to “not having the time or energy for her.”  A successful placement for Maizy would be with an 

active family with a fenced yard and a commitment to regular exercise.   

Apply online:  www.hbpr.org

Homeward Bound Pet Of The Week: Hendrick

Fast & Furriest
Pet Of The Week

Meet Hendrick, a 32 lb., 5-year-old Boston mix, who was surrendered to animal
control when his owner passed away. Hendrick is a playful little guy who enjoys a leisurely walk in the woods where he can sniff all things wonderful!

When given the opportunity in a fenced area, he will entertain you with zoomies until he can’t
run any longer and then will let you know it’s time to leave. He gets along well
with other dogs and has only shown curiosity with cats! He did well as our Pet of
the Week at The Cartecay Brewing Company meeting everyone with a smile!
Apply online: www.hbpr.org

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue Pet of the Week – Oliver

Community

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc’s mission is to find safe, loving homes for unwanted pets in
the North Georgia area. Homeward Bound has re-homed over 7000 pets since 2000. We are a
100% non-profit, no kill organization that is completely run by volunteers and depend on
donations, grants, Paws and Claws Thrift Store and fund raising events during the year.

Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Inc.

P.O. Box 792
Ellijay, GA 30540
706-698-HOME (4663)
Apply on line: www.hbpr.org
LIKE us on FaceBook

Meet Oliver, a 19#, 1 ½ year old beagle, an owner surrender due to nobody having time to
spend with him. This little cuddler gets along well with others, loves to walk on a leash,
definitely a “nose to the ground” kind of boy. A fenced yard would be great; kids would be a
plus!

Contact HB and we will set up a meeting! Apply online: www.hbpr.org
We’d also love to tell you about volunteering, fostering and adoption opportunities.
Homeward Bound pets are up to date on vaccinations, treated month for fleas, ticks and heart
worms, spayed or neutered and are ready for adoption unless specified otherwise.
We are available for a “meet and greet” by appointment. The address is: 215 Wishon Drive,
Blue Ridge, GA (off Maxwell Road). We do recommend bringing everyone who will be involved
with the new pet; especially your dog(s).

Thank you for your support! We couldn’t survive without the help from our friends!

Pritchett resigns from Public Safety Director

News, Police & Government
Tony Pritchett

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County Public Safety Director Tony Pritchett has tendered a resignation from his position as Public Safety Director.

Though his letter of resignation is tendered, it is notice of his resignation at March 15, 2019, meaning he will remain in the position until then to prepare and possibly train his replacement. He has served 16 years in Gilmer County, with 12 of those as Chief and Director. He was Fire Chief until 2015 when the position of Public Safety Director was created and he has served in since.

According to his resignation letter, Pritchett cited that he is pursuing other opportunities. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris said that the County will begin advertising for the position in the next 10 days and will look both internally and externally for candidates.

Paris confirmed that he tendered his letter today, February 6, 2019. He also told FYN that he has appreciated Pritchett’s service over the years and has wished him well in his pursuits.

Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report 12/9 -12/15

News
Dates Structure Fires Fire Alarms Emergency Med Calls (EMS)
12/9/18-12/15/18 1 1 99
MVC (Vehicle Accidents Haz. Conditions Other Total Calls
12 6 1 120

Fire & Rescue Weekly Report 12/09 – 12/15

Police & Government
Dates Structure Fires Fire Alarms Emergency Med Calls (EMS)
12/9/18-12/15/18 1 1 99

 


MVC (Vehicle Accidents Haz. Conditions Other Total Calls
12 6 1 120

Fire & Rescue Weekly Report 12/2 – 12/8

Police & Government
Dates Structure Fires Brush Fires Emergency Med Calls (EMS) Extrications
12/2/18-12/8/18 1 1 86 1

MVC (Vehicle Accidents Haz. Conditions Other Total Calls
6 5 1 101

Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report 11/25 – 12/01

Police & Government
Dates Structure Fires Brush Fires Fire Alarms Emergency Med Calls (EMS)
11/25/18-12/1/18 2 1 1 82
MVC (Vehicle Accidents Vehicle Fires Haz. Conditions Search/Tech. Rescue Total Calls
10 1 7 1 105

 

Fire and Rescue Weekly Status Report 12/23 -12/29

News
Structure Fire Brush Fire Emergency Med Calls (EMS) MVC/Vehicle Fires
2 1 97 8

 
 

Vehicle Fires Haz. Conditions Other Total Calls
1 1 19 129

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