Valdosta Mayor John Gayle, Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome and Assistant Fire Chief Brian Boutwell honored Battalion Chief Franklin McMillan as the October 2017 Employee of the Month at the Oct. 12 City Council meeting. Chief McMillan received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Chief McMillan has been employed with the VFD for 32 years. As the Operation Battalion Chief, he is responsible for supervising 30 employees, responding to emergency incidents and assuming the role of the incident commander.

Earlier in the year, Chief Boutwell was approached by a Valdosta resident whose vehicle would not start. Chief Boutwell immediately called on Chief McMillan, who quickly reported to the location, crawled under the vehicle, and diagnosed the mechanical problem.

“Our profession has taught us that it is usually what others consider ‘the smaller things in life’ that leave the greatest impact on others,” said Fire Chief Freddie Broome. “Chief McMillian is a great example of a public servant for the ways he is willing to quickly offer aid at any time for any reason—from responding to house fires to fixing broken vehicles. Because, in the end, it’s all about serving others.”

The City of Valdosta applauds Chief McMillan for going above and beyond to serve Valdosta residents and for being named the October 2017 Employee of the Month.