SR 940: Norton, Daniel; recognize

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 Paulding County Fire & Rescue for his outstanding acts of heroism and his dedication to public safety excellence; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Firefighter Daniel Norton has distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant of Paulding County Fire & Rescue, exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence within the fire service; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton achieved extraordinary success on the world stage at the World Police and Fire Olympics, where he earned the gold medal, and he is the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, proudly representing the United States of America, the State of Georgia, and Paulding County Fire & Rescue, as well as the fire service community, at the highest level of international competition; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to firefighter development through his continued service as an instructor with FLAMES, traveling extensively throughout Georgia and Florida to train and influence hundreds of firefighters nationwide and abroad, thereby advancing the safety, skill, and readiness of the fire service; and

WHEREAS, as a Georgia Smoke Diver and FLAMES Chief of Development (COD), Firefighter Norton developed and implemented a preparatory academy for Paulding County Fire & Rescue personnel, ensuring participants were mentally and physically prepared for the demanding conditions of advanced, high-risk training programs; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton has shown exceptional dedication to the recognition and success of his peers by leading the planning and execution of Paulding County Fire & Rescue's first-ever department awards banquet, including extensive research into recognition programs, development of award criteria aligned with departmental values, and creation of an accessible peer-nomination system to ensure fairness, transparency, and meaningful recognition; and

WHEREAS, while leading significant department-wide initiatives, Firefighter Norton has continued to pursue his own professional growth, completing officer series NPQ coursework and becoming one of the first members of Paulding County Fire & Rescue to earn NPQ certification as an Aerial Operator (AOPL); and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Norton contributes to the long-term strength and sustainability of the organization through his service on the Recruitment and Retention Committee, supporting strategic recruitment efforts and personnel selection processes; and

WHEREAS, since joining Paulding County Fire & Rescue with more than a decade of prior experience, Firefighter Norton has proven himself to be an invaluable asset, respected leader, mentor, and ambassador for excellence in the fire service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Firefighter Daniel Norton for his exceptional service and world-class athletic achievements representing our state and country as well as his lasting contributions to public safety, firefighter development, and the citizens of the State of Georgia and extend our sincere appreciation for his continued dedication and leadership. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Firefighter Daniel Norton.