On Tuesday, the Troup County Board of Commissioners recognized employees for their years of service to the county. Among those honored were four Troup County firefighters with more than a century of combined service between them.

“We have four members from the fire department receiving service awards today. Between those four members, they have over 110 years of combined service to the citizens of Troup County,” Troup County Fire Chief Dennis Knight said. “There is no way that we can put into a couple of paragraphs the number of lives that they have touched over that length of time — the number of citizens they have helped on probably one of their worst days.”

Fire Lieutenant/EMT Thomas Waldroup and Fire Sergeant/EMT Mark Webb were both honored for 30 years of service. Troup County Firefighter/EMT Steven Jackson and Fire Sergeant/EMT Jeffery Veal were both honored for 25 years of service. Knight noted some of each of the firefighter’s accomplishments over the years.

Additionally, TCSO Captain Mike Ellington was honored for 25 years of service, which included time as the captain over patrol as well as time as a dive team member and captain over the courts division.

“He has gotten several accommodations throughout the years, and I am very, very proud of this man,” TCSO Major Keith Flory said. “He is one of my best friends that I’ve ever had.”

Flory said that he had served with Ellington throughout his tenure.

County Clerk and Executive Assistant to the Board of Commissioners Valerie West was likewise honored for 25 years of service.

“Valerie is my right hand,” County Manager Eric Mosley said. “She is my rock. She is my scheduler, and she is also my dietician. She keeps me healthy and on track.”

Other honorees included TCSO Detention Officer Mickey Lynn with 10 years of service, Troup County Parks and Recreation Tennis Manager William Champion with 15 years of service, Troup County Parks and Recreation Endowment Facilities Manager Jacqueline Kuerzi with 15 years of service and TCSO Detention Officer Edward Burton with 20 years of service.

The Troup County Board of Commissioners will meet again on March 28 at 9 a.m. at 100 Ridley Avenue.