Kerry Phillips,34, of Lookout Mountain, said he is “humbled” to be given the Georgia Forestry Commission’s 2024 Director’s Award. This is the first time the honor has been presented to a GFC employee for their performance excellence. Phillips has been serving as Acting Chief Ranger for GFC’s Dade County Unit for the past year. He stepped into the role after a harrowing wildfire accident injured his predecessor early last year.
Phillips previously served as a volunteer firefighter in Dade County, GA., where he was named 2007 Firefighter of the Year. He joined GFC as a ranger in 2012 and earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification in 2016. Phillips was one of six employees nominated by their peers to be chosen for this special honor.
