Her work helped 14 children get a mentor and a shopping trip.
 

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA. - Glynn County firefighter Rene Dove was honored Friday by the Golden Isles Emerald Society for her community work, including raising $1,500 for needy children.

Dove, a county employee of 12 years, sold commemorative fire department pins that she had bought and collected donations to raise money for the annual Shop With a Firefighter program.

Emerald Society officers presented Dove with a certificate of appreciation during a surprise ceremony at Glynn County Fire Station 2.

"We want to recognize and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the community and for helping the kids," society President Mark Sager told Dove.

Because of her fundraising, the nonprofit organization helped 14 children from Safe Harbor Children's Shelter in Brunswick. The youngsters were paired with firefighter mentors and treated to a shopping trip at Wal-Mart.

"Rene really stepped up to the plate, and we appreciate what she did," Sager said.

The society has 23 active members, most of whom are county firefighters or emergency medical personnel.

"You don't have to be Irish to join, but you have to be dedicated to helping the community," said Jonathan Currier, society sergeant-at-arms.