Hickory Flat Volunteer Association, Inc

Don’t forget! If you haven’t yet shared your input, Cherokee County and its municipalities encourage community participation on the Safe Streets Action Plan online survey and map activity. We need to hear from community members like you about your experiences on our roads and how we can make them safer for everyone.
The survey and map activity are linked on the project website: https://planningatpond.com/cherokee_ss4a/

One more day!!! As a community. We Back Our Blue! Join us from 6-10am for a live broadcast from Tug, Rhino, and Los from Xtra 1063 Morning Show! FREE Chick Fil A and Giggle Monster donuts!

https://www.backourblueandamericatoo.com/

Reminder!

Each summer an outdoor burn ban takes effect in 54 Georgia counties including Cherokee County. The burn ban will begin May 1, 2024, and end September 30, 2024. The burn ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during this period. This is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage which is never allowed in Georgia.

Residents are encouraged to act now to clear their winter yard waste such as limbs, sticks, and leaves. Those choosing to burn yard debris must follow the Outdoor Burning Ordinance of Cherokee County as well as the 5 safety precautions mandated by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Those safety precautions are as follows:
• Maintain at least 25 feet between fire and woodlands.
• Maintain at least 50 feet between fire and structures.
• Only burn from sunrise to sunset.
• Person responsible must stay onsite until the fire is completely extinguished.
• Use reasonable precautions such as tools/measures in place to prevent escaped fire.

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) asks those wishing to conduct residential outdoor burning to please be mindful of your neighbors. If you suspect someone is burning illegally, please call 911 or the non-emergency number to the E-911 center at 678-493-4080 to report the issue. A fire engine will be sent to the location for investigation and control if necessary.

More information can be found on the CCFES website at CherokeeCountyFire.com or the Georgia Forestry Commission website at gatrees.org.

So proud of Lt. Miller, Hickory Flat Station 23

Congratulations Lt. Miller!

Lt. Miller was recognized at the 2024 Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association (GEMSA) Awards Reception held in Buford, GA, last night. This prestigious event honored the remarkable dedication of EMS professionals committed to serving their communities selflessly.

Lt. David Miller received the esteemed Tim Peebles Champion of Children Excellence & Advocacy Award. This accolade pays tribute to the legacy of Captain Tim Peebles, a longtime advocate for delivering top-tier pre-hospital care, particularly focusing on the prevention of injuries and illnesses in children.

CCFES remains at the forefront of excellence in emergency medical services, continually raising the bar for the industry. The dedication of Lt. Miller and the many members of CCFES exemplifies the spirit of service that defines our organization and positively impacts the communities we serve.

Read more: https://cherokeecountyfire.org/_common/news-read.php?newsitem=2497

📝Today's Topic: Family Preparedness
Georgia is no stranger to severe weather. No matter where you are (home, work, school) make sure that you and your family remain weather aware and establish a plan before severe wx strikes!
For more tips visit: https://www.ready.gov/plan

If you haven't registered for Cherokee County's annual Guns & Hoses 5K Run/Walk, today is a great day to do so! The race will be held Saturday, Feb. 10 at Hobgood Park.

Hosted by Cherokee Recreation and Parks, the race is a Peachtree Qualifier. It is also a competition between two Cherokee County agencies -- the Sheriff's Office (Guns) and the Fire Department (Hoses). During registration, race participants choose to run for either the Guns or Hoses, with proceeds benefiting local charities.

Click here for more details: https://www.playcherokee.org/193/Guns-Hoses-5K. And be sure to register soon!

https://raceroster.com/events/2024/79707/guns-and-hoses-5k

My baby has a stuffy nose. How can I help them sleep safely? Nasal congestion from colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID can make it harder for babies to breathe—and sleep at night. Pediatrician and safe sleep expert Dr. Rachel Moon explains why and suggests safe ways to help your baby sleep when they have a stuffy nose.​

Buckle Up Every Time, Little Eyes Are Watching!

Hey Parents- Setting the stage for a lifetime of safe habits starts with you. Buckling up isn’t just a rule, it’s a lifelong lesson we pass on to our little ones every time we are in a vehicle. Modeling seat belt use from a young age creates a foundation for responsible habits as our kids grow into teenagers. Show them that every trip, no matter how short starts with a click. Let’s buckle up together and create a culture of safety that our kids carry into their teens and beyond! Let’s keep our precious cargo safe on every journey.

It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed. Chirping that continues after changing the battery means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Remember to test your alarms monthly and change the batteries annually - even if its not chirping!

Today is National Law Enforcement Day -- and a great opportunity to thank law enforcement officers who work hard every day to protect and serve our community!

Ball Ground Police Department
Canton Police Department, GA
Cherokee County School District Police, GA
Cherokee Marshal's Office - Georgia
Cherokee Sheriff's Office - Georgia
Holly Springs Police Department
Reinhardt University Public Safety
Woodstock Police, GA

Congratulations

The Georgia Smoke Diver Association recently recognized Lt. Robbie Kennedy for his exceptional commitment and contributions to the association.

In 1992, Kennedy attended and completed the Georgia Smoke Diver course. Since becoming a Georgia Smoke Diver, Kennedy has demonstrated dedication to the program, and fire service in general, by returning semi-annually to assist with instructing students and staffing the program. About ten years ago, Kennedy began cooking all meals for the students, instructors, and dignitaries through his catering company, . To accomplish this, Kennedy prepares around 160 meals a day during this week-long course.

The Georgia Smoke Diver Association released a statement that congratulated Lt. Kennedy for his outstanding contributions to the program. He was presented with a red fire helmet and shield.

Lt. Kennedy currently serves as a training officer for CCFES and has served as a career firefighter with our agency since 1999. Prior to working as a career firefighter, Kennedy served as a volunteer firefighter for the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department.

Read more: https://cherokeecountyfire.org/_common/news-read.php?newsitem=2475

What would you do if someone you loved or was close too had a sudden cardiac arrest when their heart STOPPED. It happens to young and old, even the athletic. LEARN CPR - You could SAVE A LIFE! We can HELP -Sign up today for our next class THIS Saturday!!!

Bronny James, son of LeBron James, suffers cardiac arrest at USC basketball practice | CNN Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, suffered a cardiac arrest during basketball practice at the University of Southern California and was hospitalized on Monday, according to a statement from a family spokesperson.

As we gear up for Memorial Day weekend travel, the CSO will be out and about working - to help you get to where you need to go- safely!

A few reminders for this holiday travel weekend:
- Buckle up
- Don’t drive impaired
- Don’t text
- Slow down
Better to get there than not get there at all! Have a safe Memorial Day from the CSO!

Our Mission: Work aggressively to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth in Cherokee County.

Training all of our recruits to the level of Firefighter 2 and Advanced EMT is part of our aggressive work towards preserving life. We're proud to provide excellent and effective EMS to the citizens and visitors of Cherokee County.

Congratulations

Earlier this week, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that Susan K. Treadaway will serve as the next Cherokee County District Attorney. The swearing-in ceremony will occur at a later time.

“I am excited to take on this role and I thank Gov. Brian Kemp for appointing me to serve as District Attorney of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit in Cherokee County. For the past two months, after my predecessor was appointed Superior Court Judge, I have been serving as Acting District Attorney, which has ensured continuity in the prosecution of crimes in our county. My heart has always been in public service, and this role is truly an honor and a privilege. I look forward to leading an incredible team of attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other staff members as we continue our mission to serve victims and seek justice." -- Acting District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway

Our condolences go out to the Smith family.

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of one of our own, Firefighter Matthew Smith. Matt passed away yesterday afternoon around 1700 hours, from complications of an apparent medical incident that he suffered during a training exercise last Thursday. We will pass along arrangements as they become available. Please keep the Smith family and our department in your prayers during this difficult time.

Today is National Law Enforcement Day -- and a great opportunity to thank law enforcement officers who work hard every day to protect and serve our community.

Ball Ground Police Department
Canton Police Department, GA
Cherokee County School District Police, GA
Cherokee Marshal's Office - Georgia
Cherokee Sheriff's Office - Georgia
Holly Springs Police Department
Reinhardt University Public Safety
Woodstock Police, GA

We have received reports that several of our followers have received a text message offering a discount on t-shirts from Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services. This appears to be a scam attempt and CCFES is NOT selling any t-shirts currently.

We urge anyone that receives a similar message to NOT click the link within the message and report the message as junk or spam if your phone offers that option.

We remember.
In honor and commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor and as a mark of respect for those who perished, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all fire stations on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, until sunset.