America’s firefighter here in Pike

Pike County volunteer firefighter Brian Michel was recently named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year for the entire United States and for the state of Georgia. He is captain of Station 3 in Lifsey Springs, serves full-time for Griffin Fire Rescue and recently earned his National Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.In 2009, he helped write two successful EMA Assistance to Firefighters grants totaling $518,000 that were used to purchase a 75-foot quint and two thermal imaging cameras. He will be honored for his firefighting skills and community leadership at the American Legion’s national convention in Minneapolis, Minn., and in Dalton June 24 for the state award.’Volunteering with PCES is community service in and of itself. Capt. Michel has been volunteering with the department for almost seven years without want of compensation or an agenda. He responds regardless of time, weather or season,’ said deputy fire chief Randy Snyder. ‘Michel is the embodiment of a volunteer firefighter. The service he provides his department is professional, unselfish, dedicated and knowledgeable.’