Hometown Public Servant: Chief and EMT Wesley Coleman

This week's nominated Hometown Public Servant is Canoochee Fire Department Chief Wesley Coleman. Chief Coleman has served his role as chief for three years and has been a firefighter since 2008 after completing Basic Firefighter mod 1 training. In 2019, he completed EMT basics and became nationally registered. He has served as an EMT for two years and is employed part-time with Emanuel County EMS.
A native of Emanuel County, Chief Coleman credits his family as one of the main reasons he chose to stay local.
"I am a big family man, I grew up around the fire service and I wanted to keep the family legacy going by joining the fire department myself," Chief Coleman stated.
Having come from a long line of firefighters and EMTs in his family, Chief Coleman says it was his dad and grandfather who instilled the desire to be a good neighbor and always help his community.
"As of current date, my dad along with several others on the department are original members of the fire department. It's kind of a family tradition. I love being able to help the community in many ways. As chief, I am able to do that and EMT furthers my ability to serve in other ways," he further stated.

Chief Coleman is responsible for keeping up with all call and drill records for the department and ensures his members' certifications are current by offering eight hours of monthly training. Coleman's role as fire chief require him to maintain a minimum of basic firefighter certification and CPR. He is also required to maintain CPR as well as complete 40 hours of training every two years to serve his EMS capacity.
When asked for public comments, Chief Coleman responded "All I would ask of the community is if you see us coming in your rear view mirror when safely possible move over to the right and let us through, it could be your family that we are going through.
We take pride in what we do. Each and every one of us will be there in time of need. We are in need of volunteers. If you are interested, please, reach out to me or the fire headquarters in Swainsboro to learn how to sign up."
In closing, Chief Coleman recognizes his assistant chief and best friend - his father.
"I would like to take this time to say thanks to my dad for being a great man to look up too. Thanks for instilling in me the will and the knowledge of helping and giving back to the community. You, sir, are my hero! I will forever be grateful to have you as my dad, but also as my best friend. And I am proud to have you as my assistant chief."