This week’s Hometown Public Servant is Jamey Chalker. Having served our country for a combined 20 years of service with the Army and National Guard, Chalker has been stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and many other places. He was highlighted in CMT’s American Soldier tribute, as well as in the “20 Under 40” publication of The Forest-Blade. In addition to serving our country, Chalker has found many ways to give back to his community, including serving as the 2016 Jaycees president and the 2020 Shrine Club president.
During a recent interview with Chalker, he gave credit for his willingness to serve to time spent in the military, where he was ranked as Sergeant First Class.
“After leaving the military, I felt a void in my life that needed to be filled. I chose to fulfill that void by serving our local community through the fire department. It’s the thrill involved, I guess you could say, when responding in times of crisis. I love my community and being able to serve locally,” Chalker stated.
Chalker has found fulfillment through working with the Swainsboro Fire Department and serving as chief of the Nunez Fire Department. According to Chalker, he has dedicated 10 years of volunteer fire services to the Swainsboro Fire Department and has also served in a fulltime capacity at the local station for the past four years.
Apart from serving both nationally and locally, Chalker also fulfills the duties of a husband and father. He and his wife, Jenni, share love for five children who they are proud of, Colby Butler (19), Jarred Chalker (16), Jacob Chalker (14), Jade Anna Chalker (4), and the late Jaylen Chalker.
“What I love most about being able to serve our county versus our country is being able to see my family more. They don’t like me being gone at night but accept that my dedication to the local community has to include nights away from home,” Chalker stated.
When speaking on his current roles to the local community, Chalker’s advice is simple, and that is to support your local public servants.
“It’s important that local first responders, police, EMS, firefighters, Emanuel County 911 dispatch and other emergency personnel have the support from those that we serve. It can be hectic on us at times not knowing what emergency we will be responding to next and what we’re going into, but we do it because that’s what we signed up for. It’s not for the money, but to support and serve the community. I encourage all members of the community to give a little more support to your local emergency personnel. We take stride in what we do and can only do so much with what we have but we use it to the best of our ability, and the support received from locals goes a long way,” Chalker concluded.
Submit your nominations for Hometown Public Servant by emailing Whitley Clifton at forestbladereporter@gmail.com.
