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Last week, two LaFayette Fire & EMS officers were honored during the department’s annual end-of-year awards. Captain Jason Peacock was awarded Firefighter of the Year and EMT Shannon Craig was awarded EMS Provider of the Year. 

LaFayette first responders and their families gathered to enjoy Marco’s Pizza, celebrate some of the hardest workers of the year and receive their holiday gifts. 

Fire Chief James Doody said the awards celebration is an opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of his firefighters and EMS providers. Many of the officers stay on duty for 48-hour shifts at a time. 

“Things are getting better for the fire department. Things are going great for the city, and I just want to keep that momentum going,” Doody said. “So I’m all about doing what’s right for the people and the employees in the city.”

Doody said there were a lot of worthy candidates this year but these two stood out from the rest for all they’ve done this year. 

“Peacock goes above and beyond every day when he’s at work and even if we get bogged down with calls, he’s always coming in to help,” Doody said.  “Always goes above and beyond.” 

The fire & EMS team is often inundated with emergency calls from around the city and the rural parts of the county. Doody’s EMT providers also have routine training with the Lifesaver 3 team that serves the county for life flights to hospitals. 

However, the fire & EMS team can also often be seen volunteering time at city events and programs. Doody and many of his team have come out to support the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center. 

“[Craig] helps a lot with the events. She dressed up as an elf and her son dressed like an elf for the Santa parade. She’s always doing those kinds of cool things and always there when we need them,” Doody said. “Those things stand out.”

Since coming to LaFayette, Doody has gotten involved with many programs to help improve the city including the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative. The awards celebration is just another way that he thanks the employees of the city for working hard every day.

“Let’s just do everything in our power to make it a place that people want to stop,” Doody said.