Three VFD Staff Members Honored as August 2016 Employees of the Month

IN PHOTO L-R: Sgt. Shelley Miller, Firefighter Austin Williams, Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Administrative Battalion Chief Ronald Skrine. (Not present in photo is Lt. Robert Mercer.)

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Administrative Battalion Chief Ronald Skrine honored VFD Lt. Robert Mercer, Sgt. Shelley Miller and Firefighter Austin Williams as the August 2016 Employees of the Month at the Aug. 11 City Council meeting. The employees each received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and their names appear on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Lt. Mercer manages the daily operations at the company level, supervises up to three employees and leads emergency incidents. Sgt. Miller is responsible for driving fire apparatus to and from emergency incidents, and both he and Firefighter Williams respond to emergency incidents and provide fire, rescue and Hazmat services.

On July 4, Engine 6 responded to a cardiac arrest call in the Lowe's parking lot. Once there, Lt. Mercer, Sgt. Miller and Firefighter Williams began CPR and utilized an AED. Once EMS arrived, the patient had a pulse, was breathing on her own, and was transported to the ER.

The chain of survival protocol begins with basic life support measures on the scene of an emergency which was provided by Lt. Mercer, Sgt. Miller and Firefighter Williams. Immediate implementation of CPR while awaiting the arrival of EMS is critical in the survival rate of patients. The quick actions and teamwork of Lt. Mercer, Sgt. Miller and Firefighter Williams were instrumental in stabilizing the patient and saving her life.

The City of Valdosta applauds Lt. Robert Mercer, Sgt. Shelley Miller and Firefighter Austin Williams as the August 2016 Employees of the Month, an award they each received for skillfully executing their mission to protect the community and save lives.