SR940: SR940 Norton, Daniel; recognize

26 LC 112 3854 Senate Resolution 940 By: Senators Anavitarte of the 31st, Bearden of the 30th, Anderson of the 24th, Burns of the 23rd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Firefighter Daniel Norton of the Pau lding County Fire &1 Rescue for his outstanding acts of heroism and his dedication to public safety excellence; and2 for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Firefighter Daniel Norton has distinguished himself as a dedicated public4 servant of Paulding County Fire & Rescue, exemplifying the high est standards of5 professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence within the fire service; and6 WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton achieved extraordinary success on t he world stage at the7 World Police and Fire Olympics, where he earned the gold medal, and he is the reigning8 World Heavyweight Champion, proudly representing the United States of America, the State9 of Georgia, and Paulding County Fire & Rescue, as well as the f ire service community, at10 the highest level of international competition; and11 WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to firefighter12 development through his continued service as an instructor with F L A M E S , t r a v e l i n g13 extensively throughout Georgia and Florida to train and influence hundreds of firefighters14 nationwide and abroad, thereby advancing the safety, skill, and readiness of the fire service;15 and16 S. R. 940 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3854 WHEREAS, as a Georgia Smoke Diver and FLAMES Chief of Developme nt (COD),17 Firefighter Norton developed and implemented a preparatory academy for Paulding County18 Fire & Rescue personnel, ensuring participants were mentally an d physically prepared for19 the demanding conditions of advanced, high-risk training programs; and20 WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton has shown exceptional dedication to the recognition and21 success of his peers by leading the planning and execution of P aulding County Fire &22 Rescue's first-ever department awards banquet, including extensive research into recognition23 programs, development of award criteria aligned with departmental values, and creation of24 an accessible peer-nomination system to ensure fairness, transp arency, and meaningful25 recognition; and26 WHEREAS, while leading significant department-wide initiatives, Firefighter Norton has27 continued to pursue his own professional growth, completing officer series NPQ coursework28 and becoming one of the first members of Paulding County Fire & Rescue to earn NPQ29 certification as an Aerial Operator (AOPL); and30 WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton contributes to the long-term streng th and sustainability of31 the organization through his service on the Recruitment and Ret ention Committee,32 supporting strategic recruitment efforts and personnel selection processes; and33 WHEREAS, since joining Paulding County Fire & Rescue with more than a decade of prior34 experience, Firefighter Norton has proven himself to be an invaluable asset, respected leader,35 mentor, and ambassador for excellence in the fire service.36 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body37 recognize and commend Firefighter Daniel Norton for his excepti onal service and38 S. R. 940 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3854 world-class athletic achievements representing our state and co untry as well as his lasting39 contributions to public safety, firefighter development, and th e citizens of the State of40 Georgia and extend our sincere appreciation for his continued dedication and leadership.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed42 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Firefighter Daniel43 Norton.44 S. R. 940 - 3 -