GDC Staff and Offenders provide West Mims Fire Relief

GDC Staff and Offenders provide West Mims Fire Relief

Fire teams assist state and local partners

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Fire Services staff and offenders have been assisting Georgia Forestry Commission and other local agencies during the West Mims Fire. Offender firefighter crews have been continuously responding to relief effort requests from municipalities impacted by the fire.

“We are proud of the offender firefighters and their Chiefs, who are working tirelessly to protect structures and provide support where needed,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “It is important to partner with local agencies when a natural disaster occurs, to best serve the great state of Georgia during a time of need.”

GDC Fire Services began assisting the Georgia Forestry Commission with relief efforts on May 6. Chiefs, officers, and offender firefighters answered emergency calls and provided structural protection for Saint George Area, Moniac Area, Sardis Church Area, and other areas surrounding the southern region of Charlton County. All 19 of the offender fire station were placed on standby, and 15 were deployed.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit http://www.gdc.ga.gov.

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