Fayette County's

program to reduce the dangers from hazardous chemicals is a model that

other public safety agencies are studying and emulating.

County commissioners

and a state official last week presented special recognition to all of

the people who make the program successful, particularly Capt. Pete Nelms

of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, who heads up the Local

Emergency Planning Committee and Resource Council.

"I'm thrilled

to see them getting the local recognition," said Kent Howell, chemical

risk management program manager for the state Environmental Protection

Division.

When Fayette

safety officials first organized the program as a cooperative effort of

all local agencies as well as private industries, Howell said he was skeptical.

"I didn't

think that they or anyone else would be able to accomplish what they were

setting out to do," he said. But the program not only accomplished

its mission, but "is used as a model for other communities in Georgia

and other areas of the country," he added.

Commissioners

presented a declaration of appreciation to the committee.

In accepting

the commendation, committee Chairman Nelms praised the 40 industries and

organizations that comprise the committee.

The committee

maintains relationships between safety agencies and industries to prepare

for industrial accidents and coordinates responses to those accidents.

In a recent

case, Nelms said, a hazardous chemical was spilled, but because they had

prepared and had adequate information, emergency workers quickly contained

the spill.

"It could

have been a significant leak otherwise," he said.

During their

business meeting last week, commissioners also gave special recognition

to Wal-Mart for its support of the County Animal Shelter.

Shelter director

Bill Newman thanked the store for providing food for animals at the shelter

for the last 15 years. "They've provided about four tons of food

each year, amounting to tens of thousands of savings to the taxpayers

of Fayette County," he said.

Commissioners

presented a plaque to Nancy McAvoy, support manager for Wal-Mart.