Lowndes Fire Rescue recognized for Toys for Tots softball victory
Dec. 13—VALDOSTA — The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners recognized the Lowndes County Fire Rescue team for their win in a recent tournament for Valdosta Toys for Tots.
The board recognized the team at the beginning of its regular session Tuesday evening.
"I present to you not just the finest Fire Department in the State of Georgia but in the entire Southeast. They see a need. They see something and do something. These men and women and their families continue to fill gaps across our community that extends far beyond their responsibility of service," County Manager Paige Dukes said introducing the team.
Lowndes County Fire Rescue Lt. Joey Herndon approached the podium reflecting on the team's accomplishment. The department participated in the Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Tournament at Freedom Park hosted by the Dirty South FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society), which is a professional organization of firefighters, on Saturday, Dec. 9.
About twelve teams competed in the tournament with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and the Lowndes Fire Rescue both having two sets of teams. Valdosta Police Department, Valdosta Fire Department, South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Room, South Georgia Medical Center EMS, Colquitt County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, Moody Air Force Base and Stockbridge Police Department.
This year marks the second year that a Lowndes County Fire Rescue team has won the tournament.
"This tournament was put into place to assist the local Toys for Tots organization which serves Lowndes, Clinch and Echols County. This tournament was a hard fought battle in which Lowndes County Fire Rescue 'A' team emerged victorious and have another year of bragging rights," Herndon said.
The initiative raised 201 toys averaging about $4,515.88 for Valdosta Toys for Tots. Herndon added that the $1,086 in cash donations raised an overall total of $5,602.88.
Chairman Bill Slaughter and the remaining commissioners shared remarks and congratulated the attending team before continuing the rest of the regular session meeting.
