Awards & Recognitions

Each employee of the Fayette County Government strives for excellence in the work they do, every day. We feel it is important to acknowledge and celebrate our successes, and share them with others. Here are a few awards and recognitions of Fayette County.
Water System Receives Award for the Sixth Year
The Fayette County Water System has been awarded the Georgia Association of Water Professionals 2008 Platinum Award for the complete and consistent compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act for the year 2007 at the Crosstown and South Fayette Water Plants. The Platinum Award is awarded to Water Systems who received the Gold Award for five years.
The Award was presented to the Water System at a recent Commission Meeting. Chairman Smith commended the water plant operators for their complete and consistent compliance of the rules and regulations required to produce safe drinking water for the citizens of Fayette County
Finance Department Receives Award for 15th Consecutive Year
The Fayette County Finance Department has once again received the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report(CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Interim County Administrator Jack Krakeel presented the award to Chief Financial Office Mary Holland and Assistant Financial Director Toni Jo Howard at the July 17 Board of Commissioners Meeting. Jack Smith, Chairman of the Board, thanked Ms. Holland, Ms. Howard and the Finance staff for their commitment and hard work regarding financial reporting on behalf of the citizens of Fayette County.
Recent Retirees Honored

At a recent Fayette County Commissioners’ Meeting the Board recognized Debbie Glazier’s retirement from the Fayette County Water System. She was presented an official Fayette County rocking chair for over 30 years of service to Fayette County.

At a recent Fayette County Commissioners’ Meeting Barbara Arnold was presented an official Fayette County rocking chair as for her retirement after 34 years of service in the Fayette County Tax Commissioner’s Office.
Fayette County Again Achieves Storm Ready Designation
On Thursday, February 14, 2008, Fayette County was recognized for its accomplishment once again for being designated a “Storm Ready” community. The presentation was held as part of the scheduled commission meeting. ...More Information
Deputy Marshal Chamberlin Awarded Master Certificate
On December 14, 2007 during the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement fall conference, Deputy Marshal Warren Chamberlin was awarded the Master Certificate in the GACE certified code enforcement officer certificate program from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the University of Georgia.
Debbie Parrish Receives Award
The Fayette County Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the selection of Debbie Parrish, Therapeutic Coordinator as the recipient of the 2007 Therapeutic Professional of the Year.
Water Plant Receives Gold Award
The Gold Award was presented by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals for complete and consistent compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act for the year 2006. The Crosstown Water Plant and the South Fayette Water Plant each received the award.
Peggy Glaze Approved for Senior Member Status with APCO
Congratulations to Peggy Glaze for having been approved for Senior Member status within the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International. Peggy was nominated by the Georgia Chapter and her nomination has been certified by the APCO International Credentials Committee and approved by the APCO International Board of Officers.
Deputy Chief Bartlett Completes Executive Fire Officers Program
The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy announced today that Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Chief Thomas Bartlett has successfully completed the Executive Fire Officers Program.“This intensive program is designed to provide senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire administration,” according to U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “This program provides fire service officers with the expertise they need to succeed in today’s challenging environment.”
Fayette County 911 Communications Officer Recognized
Each year the Georgia Chapter of APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officers) recognizes a communications officer for the job they do. This year, we are proud to announce that Communications Operator Kelli Hutchinson has been selected by the awards committee as the Georgia APCO Communications Officer of the Year.Full Story
Mary Holland Named Fayette County’s Chief Finance Officer
Mary Holland was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer effective October 2006. She had held the position of Acting Finance Director since June 2006. Ms. Holland was hired by Fayette County in August 2002 as Assistant Finance Director/Internal Auditor and was promoted to Assistant Finance Director/Controller in July 2004. Before working for Fayette County, Ms. Holland worked with Delta Air Lines in various finance positions for 23 years.Sergio Acevedo Promoted Three Times in One Year
Sergio Acevedo began working part-time for the Fayette County Finance Department in August 2005 as an Accounting Technician. His position became full-time in February 2006. He was promoted to Inventory Analyst in September 2006 and named Budget Officer in November 2006.
New Elections Supervisor for Fayette County
Tom Sawyer has been promoted to the position of Elections Supervisor for Fayette County, effective October 2006. He started his career with Fayette County in July 2003 with the Finance Department as Budget Officer. While in this position he was awarded the Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation for being primarily responsible in the preparation of the budget.
Deputy Marshal Warren Chamberlin Awarded the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Level I Certificate
Deputy Marshal Warren Chamberlin was recently awarded the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Level I certificate through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This certificate program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills for those persons responsible for enforcement of environmental, housing, and land use codes in Georgia... Full Story
Capt. Steve Folden Selected as Public Safety Employee of the Year
On October 16, 2006 the Fayetteville Rotary Club held its annual recognition program for vocational service where it presented awards to four outstanding individuals in our community.
For Public Safety, Captain Steve Folden from Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services was recognized for his dedication and outstanding accomplishments...Full Story
CAFR Awarded Certificate of Excellence
Fayette County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2005 has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
The County has received this award for each of the last thirteen years. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Achievement, Fayette County published an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.
Fayette County’s Finance Department is to be commended on a job well done and to Pam Gravitt for being primarily responsible in the preparation of the report
Water System Receives Two Awards
Russell Ray, Assistant Water System Director and Paul Coddington, Assistant Plant Manager for the South Fayette Water Plant accepted awards presented by Water System Director Tony Parrott.
Fayette County’s Water System was recognized by two organizations for the quality of water treatment at the 13.5 MGD Crosstown Water Plant and the 6.2 MGD South Fayette Water Plant
American Heart Association Appoints Allen McCullough to National and State Leadership Positions
The American Heart Association is pleased to announce the appointment of long-time volunteer and Fayette County Chief of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Dr. Allen McCullough, to chair the Georgia Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) committee and serve on the National ECC Committee as part of the Education Subcommittee and the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Subcommittee.
Captain Pete Nelms Receives Certified Emergency Manager Designation
Captain Pete Nelms, EMA Coordinator for the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, has earned recognition from the International Association of Emergency Managers by being among the group of professionals designated Certified Emergency Manager (CEM). This is the highest honor of professional achievement available from the Association which has in its membership more than 2,900 emergency managers representing local, state, and federal private and military emergency managers.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
For the ninth consecutive year, Fayette County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its FY2006 budget. This award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff in meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.
A Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation was presented to Tom Sawyer, Budget Officer, for being primarily responsible in the preparation of the budget document.
Peggy Glaze Elected President of APCO
Peggy Glaze, Assistant Director of Communications, E911 Center, has been elected to serve as President of the State Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO). She will serve a two year term. Georgia APCO is dedicated to promoting the enhancement of public safety communications. The group’s mission is to “shape the future of public safety communications in Georgia.”
E911 Dispatcher Meets Young Hero
Eight year old Matthew Sparr recently visited the E911 Center to meet emergency dispatcher Chris Nations. Matthew recently called 911 when he noticed his mother suffering from a medical emergency. Nations said he was impressed by Matthew’s calmness. Nations stayed on the phone with Matthew until the paramedics reached the home and treated his mom. Matthew presented Nations with a basketful of cookies and Nations gave Matthew a lucky two-dollar bill, a gift coupon to Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurant, and a “Courageous Kid Certificate”.
Fayette County Employees Unite to Help Katrina Victims
Employees of Fayette County established a County Employees’ Disaster Contribution Fund and collected $2,230 for victims of Hurricane Katrina who relocated to Fayette County. Deputy Chief Allen McCullough, Fire and Emergency Services, presented the check to Mary Davis, Director of the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services. Ms. Davis said there was an immediate need for assistance with housing and for winter clothing for school children who had relocated to this area.
Thomas Henninger and Mark Frank qualify for Class II Water Treatment Plant Operator.
Congratulations to Thomas Henninger and Mark Frankfor recently passing their test to become certified as Class II Water Treatment Plant Operators. Tom Henninger has been with the Water System since April 28, 2003 and Mark Frank has been with us since April 19, 2004. Both work at the Crosstown Water Plant.
Pete Frisina promoted to Director of Planning and Zoning
Pete Frisina was recently promoted to Director of Planning and Zoning. He previously served as Interim Director of Planning and Zoning and prior to that, held the position of Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning. He has been employed with Fayette County since 1989.
Phil Mallon promoted to Director of Engineering
Phil Mallon was recently promoted to Director of Engineering. He previously served as the Assistant Director of Engineering. He has been employed with Fayette County since January of 2003.
Finance Department Receives Awards
The Finance Department recently received the following awards from the Government Finance Officers Association:
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ended June 30, 2004
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004
- Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for fiscal year ended June 30, 2004
Fayette County Librarian assistants featured in Fayette Woman magazine
Fayette County Public Library librarian assistants Eugenia West and Charlotte Stargell, who lead the children’s program “Baby Time,” were featured on the cover of the May, 2005 Fayette Woman magazine. They were also the subject of a well-written, six-page feature article, “Babytime is Funtime,” in that issue. “Baby Time,” is a library program for babies’ introduction to language development. It includes books, music, creative dramatics, toys for motor skill development and tactile learning in a fun, loving routine of exploring the world in a social setting with their parents or caregivers.
Recreation Department Celebrates 30 Years
At a recent Board of County Commissioners Meeting, the Commissioners presented a Resolution to the Fayette County Recreation Department in recognition and appreciation for thirty years of recreation services provided to the County.
Fire and Emergency Services receives Grant
The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is the recipient of a grant in the amount of $53,430.00. The funds will be used for the acquisition of Web Emergency Operation Center (EOC) software and hardware through the office of Homeland Security. This software will enable the Department to become mobile with laptop computers while managing a crisis or major event.
911 Dispatchers Lifesaving Measures - A Team Concept
911 dispatchers Devon Darcy, Laura Johnson, Tonya Woody and Ashlee Koontz were recently honored at a Peachtree City Council Meeting for their professional team service in helping to save a citizen’s life who suffered cardiac arrest. The first dispatcher worked with the wife on administering CPR, a second dispatcher took over dispatching medical calls and the other two worked law enforcement calls.
Retired Supervisor of Elections Featured in Local Magazine
Carolyn Combs, who recently retired from Fayette County, is featured in the June 2005 issue of the Fayette Woman magazine. Carolyn retired after 20 years of service with the county’s Board of Elections and Voter Registration.










