Henry and Thibodeau Honored as Employees of the Month

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Fire Chief Freddie Broome honored Administrative Battalion Chief Johnny Henry and Special Operations Capt. Jeffrey Thibodeau as the April 2017 Employees of the Month at the April 6 City Council meeting. Henry and Thibodeau both received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and their names appear on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Capt. Thibodeau is responsible for managing the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) and Haz-Mat teams, coordinating regional specialty rescue training and conducting Haz-Mat site surveys. Chief Henry is responsible for assisting the department with daily operations, overseeing the hiring and promotional process, ISO internal auditing and serving as the Health and Wellness Administrator. Together, these men have over three decades of experience as Valdosta Fire Department professionals.

In December 2016, a mother with an infant child stopped by Fire Station No. 1 in need of a new car seat, as the one she owned was unsafe for usage. The mother had an 11-hour drive ahead and was not financially able to purchase a new car seat. Chief Henry and Capt. Thibodeau responded quickly to the situation by going to Wal-Mart and purchasing a new car seat with some additional items. Their kindness and generosity put the mother at ease, and she was able to drive the rest of her trip while ensuring her infant child was safely secured in the vehicle.

The City of Valdosta applauds Chief Henry and Capt. Thibodeau for their charitable actions and for being named the April 2017 Employee of the Month.