Each year, the West Jackson Fire District recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of its dedicated firefighters.
On June 22, 2024, Chief Ben Stephens and the department celebrated individual and unit achievements, including the announcement of the 2024 Firefighter of the Year and Officer of the Year. The Firefighter and Officer of the Year awards are based upon nomination and vote of the staff of the department.
Firefighter of the Year: Casey Berryman
"At the Nomination and overall vote of confidence from the Staff of the Department, for your dedication to the training, development, and motivation of your fellow firefighters and officers. You have consistently brought a positive attitude, worked tirelessly on emergency responses, and assisted in any capacity needed."
Firefighter Casey Berryman started his career in the fire service in 2005 in Jackson County working in Jefferson for the last 19 years. He joined the West Jackson Fire Department in 2023 and is currently assigned to B-Shift Squad 31. Berryman holds certifications including Fire Officer, Fire Instructor 2, Structural Live Fire Instructor, Rope Rescue OPs, Apparatus Operator and AEMT. He started his professional career working in the Metro Atlanta and participated as a SWAT medic. Berryman is also a member of the department’s Specialty Response Team (SRT).
Officer of the Year: Lt. Steven Turner
"At the Nomination and overall vote of confidence from the staff of the Department, for your dedication to the betterment of the department and willingness to be a mentor to new firefighters. Your commitment to providing the best level of service to the community has been notable amongst your peers.”
Lt. Turner is an Emergency Medical Technician on A Shift. A highly decorated firefighter, he has served West Jackson Fire Department (WJFD) for 14 years in many capacities. He was promoted to captain in 2022 and to lieutenant the following year.
Retirement: Jim Quinn
Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Jim Quinn will retire in 2024 after 17 years of service to the West Jackson Fire District. Quinn started his career as a Volunteer Firefighter in July 2007, going on to serve as a part-time and full-time FAO/Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. Having responded to thousands of emergency calls over the years, he is a familiar and welcome face in the community.
"Jim called the station when he was looking to move to this area to find out if we used volunteer firefighters and what the process was to be on our department. He had decades of experience in the fire service when he came to West Jackson and was a welcome addition. Always having a friendly smile and always looking for ways to better himself, he has provided excellent service to the community. He will certainly be missed," Chief Stephens said.
His list of Awards include:
Life Member - Due to his honorable service of 17 Years
Longevity Medal (3rd Award) - 15 Years of honorable service
Unit Achievement Medal (3rd Award) - Recognition for notable service provided as a part of his apparatus at emergency incidents over his career.
Expeditionary Award - For his service at the South Georgia Wildfires in 2017
Longevity
Dustin Hall, Special Operations Captain, 5 years
Lt. Casey Keith, Fire Apparatus Operator, 15 years
Capt. Jordan Edge, Training Officer and Shift Commander, 15 years
Unit Achievements
Capt. Joshua LeBlanc – 3rd Award (Bike Team)
Lt. Shannon Martin – 2nd Award (Bike Team)
FAO Kenny Dove – 2nd Award (Honor Guard)
Firefighter Jonathan Gaines – 1st Award (Honor Guard)
Firefighter Malichi Walker – 1st Award (Honor Guard)
Individual Achievements
These promotions recognize outstanding performance on the job or advanced certification.
Firefighter II – Upon achieving Advanced Emergency Medical Technician training
Malichi Walker
Jonathan Gaines
Corey West
Casey Berryman
Fire Apparatus Operator
Cole Burchardt
Lieutenant
Shannon Martin
Matthew McCall
Captain
Dustin Hall
Civic Recognition: Capt. Jordan Edge
The WJFD awards ceremony highlighted a civic recognition received earlier in the year. On May 21, 2024, the Jefferson, Ga., chapter of the American Legion, presented Capt. Jordan Edge with the Firefighter of the Year Award. Albert Gordon GA Post 56 recognized Capt. Edge for his passion and dedication to the fire service and community since he was a junior firefighter in 2004. Since then, Capt. Edge has held the ranks of Firefighter, FAO, Lieutenant, and currently serves as A Shift Captain on Truck 31. He also serves as the Department Training Officer.
WE ARE YOUR FIRE SERVICE!
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