Council recognizes Wallace, Johnson

Jun. 17—TIFTON — A pair of city employees, Chris Wallace and Johnny Johnson, received special recognition at a recent Tifton City Council meeting.

Human Resources Director Emily Beeman and Fire Chief Bobby Bennett presented to Wallace, who is retiring from the fire department.

"Mr. Wallace has done a lot with the city," Beeman said.

Wallace began with the city Dec. 4, 2002, with the street department. From there, she said he advanced to light and heavy equipment operator. Wallace's "true love in the fire service" began April 8, 2005.

"He is now a family member to 42 employees in the city," Beeman said.

Bennett and Beeman presented Wallace with a special award as a thank you for his service to Tifton.

Wallace said he thanked the city for letting him work and for "putting up with me."

"I enjoyed every bit of it," he said.

Wallace said he learned much from Bennett. "We taught each other a lot, we learned from each other. I appreciate the service that the fire department gave me, the fun, the memories I got from that is going to last me forever."

Bennett said it was "an honor and a privilege" to work with Wallace, adding "he is a great firefighter, without a doubt."

Johnson joined the Civil Defense (now Emergency Management Agency) in 1971 and joined the Tifton-Tift County Rescue Team and began with the Tifton Police Department auxiliary, Bennett said.

In 1973, Johnson was there when Tift began the Emergency Medical Services — "one of the first paramedics in Tifton, Georgia."

Bennett said Johnson was in charge of the rescue team and training in the Fire Department. Johnson was an instructor for everything from the police academy to CPR.

Johnson remains an active volunteer.

"I just thought it was time and it was very well worthy," Bennett said. "Someone that gives 50 years of their life volunteering for the city and the county and our community is definitely worth being recognized."

In appreciation, Bennett awarded Johnson a special leather fire helmet with Johnson's name on it.

"He's definitely been a blessing to the City of Tifton," Bennett said.

Johnson said it was a "big surprise" to be honored at the meeting. "It's been an honor to serve y'all."

Bennett said Johnson did all of his work for no money. Johnson argued he had, motioning to those there to recognize him. Johnson referred to President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

Mayor Julie Smith thanked both Johnson and Wallace for their dedication. Smith said Tifton was lucky to have so many dedicated people serving the city.