Douglas County Public Safety Departments Host Boot Drive for Injured Valdosta First Responders
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, The Douglas County Fire & EMS Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglasville Police Department held a press conference and check presentation to thank the citizens of Douglas County for helping raise $6,000.00 for injured Valdosta First Responders over the past weekend. Douglas County First Responders held a 3-day weekend boot drive collecting donations outside of Sam’s Club on Friday, July 30th, Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st.
During the event, Douglas County Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette delivered the check to Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell and members of the Valdosta Fire and Police Department. On Monday, July 12, 2021, three firefighters and a police officer responded to check a downed powerline after a recent storm when a passing vehicle drove near the downed line and pulled it towards the three firefighters and police officer causing the utility pole to strike all four, seriously injuring them.
The funds from the Douglas County boot drive will be deposited into the City of Valdosta First Responder Fund at Guardian Bank. The fund was setup to support the first responders and their families as many of their spouses now have reduced hours at work to provide care as well as help with any gaps in sources of secondary income that these first responders may have.
For more information, please contact Rick Martin, Director of Communications & Community Relations at rickmartin@co.douglas.ga.us or 770-920-7303.