DFD Honors 2021 Firefighter Of The Year At PSC Meeting

It's a tough task to select the Firefighter of the Year at the Dalton Fire Department.

Comprised of some of the best firefighters in the country, there's no shortage of talent in the ranks at a Dalton firehouse. So, it's probably best to leave it up to the agency's firefighters themselves to select the honoree. This year, the agency's firefighters selected Michael Sams for the prestigious honor, and on Tuesday he was presented to the Public Safety Commission for recognition by Chief Todd Pangle. 

Chief Pangle noted that despite the fact that Sams has only been with the DFD for four and a half years, he has proven himself invaluable "through his tireless work ethic and drive to become a better firefighter." 

The full text of Chief Pangle's presentation to the PSC can be read below.

Firefighter Sams has been a member of Dalton Fire Department since January 2017. During his time with the department, he has proven to be a valuable asset through his tireless work ethic and drive to become a better firefighter.

Prior to joining Dalton Fire Department in 2017, FF Sams was employed with Hall County Fire Services, where he began his firefighting career in February 2005. While at Hall County, FF Sams amassed an impressive resume. He came to Dalton Fire Department with the following certifications; Ga and Tn licensed paramedic, Pro Board FFI and FFII, Haz-Mat Technician, Confined Space Rescue Technician, Trench Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Rescue Technician, Fire Instructor I, ERDI Diver I & II, and dive supervisor. He is a graduate of Dalton High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Georgia College.

Since joining the department, Michael has proven himself to be a very well-rounded firefighter. He has a passion for the fire service which has led him to a love for everything related to the profession. I have received multiple recognitions from his officers outlining his efforts that go above and beyond in his service to Dalton Fire Department and the citizens we serve. Michael has continued to expand his knowledge since joining our department in an effort to better serve. The following is a list of some of his accomplishments since joining Dalton Fire Department; became a Rope Rescue Program Coordinator, completed Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians Level K, National Association of EMS Educators Level 1 Instructor, Class 5 shift representative, GSAR member, recruit school instructor and Swift Water and Flood Water Rescue Technician. Recently Michael also received a Unit Citation for assisting DPD during an incident with unruly bystanders. He also recently participated in a swift water rescue in Gordon County where a citizen became stranded within his vehicle in swift water. He was also deployed to Newnan, GA for a tornado response. His officers have stated that Michael has become an informal leader and mentor among the ranks.  

Firefighter Sams sets an example for others to follow and is eager to help others become better within our chosen profession. For all of these reasons, Firefighter Sams has been nominated and voted on by his peers as Dalton Fire Department’s 2021 Firefighter of the Year.