Each year, ACCG, a nonprofit organization of the state’s county governments, presents the County Excellence Awards to leaders who develop creative and outstanding solutions to community challenges.
This year’s winners have demonstrated ingenuity and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on their communities.
WHITFIELD COUNTY
Fast Track to Firefighting
In Whitfield County, high school juniors and seniors who dream of saving people’s lives can get a head start on a career in emergency services before they turn 18, through First Responders Pathway Program, which began in 2023.
Students prepare for careers in public safety through a joint initiative of the Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy, Whitfield County School system and the Whitfield County Fire Department, and can earn professional certifications through the program, such as Firefighter 1 or 2. The Emergency Medical Technician program is a partnership with both the college and career academy and Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Dual enrollment with GNTC enables students to receive certification as a basic or advanced EMT. By the time the students finish high school, they are ready to graduate into their careers…