Professional organizations and state agencies are encouraged to submit nominations

for the seventh annual Governor's Public Safety Awards program.

The awards honor public safety professionals for their acts of heroism or

outstanding contributions to their professions. The awards will be presented

this fall in a special ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center

in Forsyth.

There are two categories for the award. The "Act of Heroism" division

honors those who performed an exceptional deed that resulted in saving lives

and/or protecting property.

The "Outstanding Contribution to Profession" division honors job

performance that had an overwhelming positive affect on the overall profession.

Last year, one of Fayette County's emergency workers was honored with

one of the 17 awards given.

Deputy Chief Allen McCullough of the Fayette County Department of Fire and

Emergency Services was honored with the "Outstanding Contribution to

Profession" award for his work in the emergency medical services field.

McCullough played a key role in crucial advances in the local system.

The awards can honor those from emergency management agencies, emergency

medical services, 911 communications, fire departments, police departments,

sheriff's offices, local correctional facilities, prosecuting/district

attorneys and state agencies with public safety responsibilities.

Bill Hitchens, the chairman of the Governor's Public Safety Awards

committee, noted that first responders have been appreciated more since the

terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

"We appreciate the diligence of our first responder community who protect

and serve day in and day out," Hitchens said. "These awards give

us a chance to showcase those individuals who made exemplary contributions

to their professions or who have performed a heroic act which ultimately

saved someone's life or property."

Nomination forms should be submitted through the appropriate professional

organization or state agency. Forms and criteria are available at the Georgia

Emergency Management Agency's web site at www.gema.state.ga.us.