Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta Fire Chief J.D. Rice honored Lt. Johnny Henry as the city’s February Employee of the Month at the Feb. 6 City Council meeting. Lt. Henry received a framed certificate, a check for $200 and his name appears on a plaque that is displayed inside of City Hall.

Lt. Henry's responsibilities at the Valdosta Fire Department are to respond to and supervise fire suppression activities and coordinate and conduct in-house training and drills. He also supervises and assists in building inspections, summarizes shift activities to relay to the relief officer, and conducts performance evaluations on assigned personnel.

Lt. Henry does not hesitate to volunteer for work details that are out of the normal day to day routines. Recently, Fire Engine 1 responded to a report of a smoke odor at a citizen's home. Upon arriving and investigating, Lt. Henry determined the odor was coming from the resident’s television and advised the resident to immediately discontinue use. After the end of his shift, Lt. Henry retrieved a television that he personally owned and donated it to the resident.

The City of Valdosta applauds Lt. Johnny Henry for his selflessness and dedication and for being named the February Employee of the Month.