On May 4th, Mayor Scott James Matheson presented a proclamation to the Valdosta Fire Department for International Firefighters Day.  International Firefighters Day is a time when communities can celebrate the firefighters who make their communities and environment as safe as possible.  It is also a day that recognizes and thank past and current Firefighters for the work they do.  During the recognition, a local community champion and influencer, Jeannette Coody made a surprise visit to the firefighters.   Many communities sound off at noon on the first Sunday in May to show respect to those firefighters who are no longer with us by playing the siren for 30 seconds followed by a minute of silence in memory and respect for, all firefighters who have been lost in the line of duty.  International Firefighters Day began when on December 2, 1988 firefighters in Linton, Australia were fighting a large wildfire.  Due to the urgency of the fire, volunteers were also called upon. Five firefighters and lost their lives as they refilled their tanker with water due to a sudden strong wind change.