|
Jesup,
Georgia - Captain Garland Evors was knocked off his feet on
Saturday, September 14th at a surprise 50th
birthday-retirement party which honored him and his
accomplishments which not only included his community, The Glynn
County Fire Department, but also the State of Georgia.
Many
people in Georgia have been aware of the Brain tumor found in
Evor’s head shortly after he was named Fire Educator of the
Year last Fall. After
just having been promoted to Captain of Rescue in Glynn County a
tumor was found which immediately took Evors out of service and
on to Cancer treatment. Since March he has had radiation, chemotherapy, and the power
of prayer to fight the cancer.
The Glynn County Fire Department, and friends immediately
began and still continue to hold fund-raising activities to help
with the expensive treatments.
It was in late August that Evors was given a “medical
retirement.”
As
the anniversary of 9/11 rolled around the community and others
sought individuals to honor.
The Wayne County Press-Sentinel had a story on Garland
Evors, which outlined his accomplishments.
At the same time plans were underway for a surprise
birthday/retirement party by the community and others outside
the community. One
of the main goals was to keep the event a complete surprise to
Capt. Evors. The
event was a complete surprise.
He did not realize that a parking lot full of cars was
for him at one of the local churches in Jesup, Georgia.
On
Saturday, September 14th over
two hundred people throughout South Georgia gathered to
celebrate the event. Chief
Carl Johnson presented Capt. Evors with his fire helmet, a
plaque with his badge mounted on it, and told him to get well
and come back to work. Others presented him with gifts and
certificates. Having
been on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Burn Foundation
and his involvement for the past ten years he received
recognition for his roll in that organization. Many just drove a
long distance to express their love for Garland and what he
stands for.
Evors
has received much recognition for many things.
He organized and co-hosted Wayne County’s first Hee-Haw
show which is now known as the Wayne County Productions.
He preformed in the show for many years.
He was the organizer of the Glynn County Fire Prevention
Program, which is now known throughout the State.
He is co-organizer of the Georgia Clown Society and
started a program at the Georgia Public Safety Academy for
departments wishing to use clowning as a way to teach fire
education. Garland
organized and co-hosted the first weekly radio program in
Georgia known as Fireside Chat.
He was instrumental in establishing the Anderson Drive
Volunteer Fire Department.
His heart belongs to the kids however.
Year after year he took part with activities for Camp
Oo-U-la for burned children for children from all over Georgia.
With a wonderful singing voice he entertained not only
the children but also others who has enjoyed his music.
What
the public may not remember but which Garland holds in his heart
is the emergencies he has been involved in. Pulling a child from the ocean at St. Simons, attending to a
code, accident victim, and the many other emergencies.
Those events, which are common to us as firefighters.
Garland
has been known to many as “Smoke House Willy” and is known
by other names as well. He
takes the most pride in the name – Father or Husband. He is the father of two boys, Chad and John and has been
married to his wife of 29 years, Glenda.
In Glynn County he is already missed on the fire and
emergency lines. We
continue to celebrate with gratitude his retirement and birthday
and pray for him good health and God’s will.
|
