At the Gordon County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday evening, Oct. 21, 2025, Gordon County Fire & Rescue (GCF&R) Chief Heath Derryberry provided commissioners with an update on the department’s current operations, initiatives, and ongoing needs.
During his presentation, Chief Derryberry highlighted key areas such as response times, call volumes, equipment usage, and staffing levels. He also shared updates on training efforts within the department and the status of recent improvements to fire stations and apparatus. The overview aimed to give commissioners a clear picture of the department’s performance and preparedness as the county continues to grow.
Following the presentation, the Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation officially recognizing Fire Prevention Week in Gordon County.
The 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety – Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Home.” This year’s campaign focuses on educating residents about the growing risks associated with lithium-ion battery misuse or improper charging, which have become a rising cause of residential fires nationwide. The proclamation encourages citizens to follow safety practices such as using manufacturer-approved chargers, avoiding overcharging, and storing batteries in safe locations.
Chief Derryberry thanked the Board for their continued support and emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns like Fire Prevention Week in reducing preventable fire incidents.
Fire Prevention Week is observed nationally to promote safety education and preparedness within local communities.
Picture courtesy of Gordon Gazette
