Members of the Union County Georgia First Responders Organization officially introduced themselves to the public on Tuesday, March 18. Abbreviated UCGA1R, the new organization saw its start last year, but further planning has really helped it begin to take shape.
“Our first meeting was on Jan. 4, 2024,” Organization Secretary Ingrid Engle said. “Then, the process to become incorporated took about six months.”
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With the legalities and mechanics sorted out, UCGA1R was ready for its debut, which quietly but proudly took place at the First United Methodist Church of Union County over pastries and coffee last week.
Encompassing the Union County Fire Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Union County E-911, Union General EMS, Blairsville Police Department and Union County School Resource Officers, the goal of the 501(c)(3) is to offer support for first responders in need.
Although examples of such need include “an illness or life-altering emergency,” like a catastrophic injury, in theory, the funds can go toward anything that supports a local first responder or their family in dire straits.
“The sole purpose of this organization is to go out, raise money, collect donations – be able to financially assist first responders in their time of need,” Fire Chief David Dyer said. “This assistance can be for just about anything. It can be for an illness that they may have; it can be for an injury; it can be things such as a car accident or maybe your house caught on fire.”
Operations Manager Magdalie “Maggie” Guerrier shared her story with the audience, painting an image of how her E-911 work team became a supportive family in her time of need. Before moving here, she was employed with Florida’s Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
At age 35, Guerrier was diagnosed with multiple devastating health problems after a heart attack, including congestive heart failure and kidney failure. Her department rallied behind her and some even visited her in the hospital to “hold her hand.”
When she moved to Georgia, she found similar support in Union County, and especially credits E-911 Lt. Millie Baxter with welcoming her and checking in on her “every single day” after she received her kidney transplant.
“When I became a Union County dispatcher, it was lifesaving for me, emotionally and mentally, because I got to go back to doing what I love, which is being a first responder,” said Guerrier, who has been employed with the county for the past two and a half years.
“What people don’t know,” Guerrier continued, “when we get home after (responding), we deal with a lot of issues from what this job brings to us, and having the backing of your agency, that family, is priceless.”
Fire Lt. David Ueltzen serves as UCGA1R Grant Administrator, and he revealed plans to hold fundraising events throughout each year, including sports matches such as pickleball. Further, the group is pursuing grants that can be used to the same end.
Also included in the planned events is the Union County First Responders’ Yearly Challenge that will name top sponsors annually, to feature a Gold Tier for donations of $1,000 and more; Silver Tier, $500 to $1,000; and Bronze Tier, $200 to $500.
In the meeting, Chairman Russell Walker, a Blairsville Police lieutenant, recognized three award-winners for helping UCGA1R find its footing. River City Bank was the first Gold-level sponsor, and Fire Station 4 and Fire Station 2 tied as the first Silver-level sponsors.
“We’re going to take care of our own, and that’s the goal – to take care of our own,” Walker said. “We all have different jobs, but we’re one family, and with y’all’s help and everybody else’s help, we can take care of our own.”
Although the website is still under construction, eventually, additional information will be available at www.ucga1r.org, including a donation button.
Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 244 in Blairsville or deposited at River City Bank. Email correspondence can be directed to ucga1r@gmail.com, and be sure to visit the new Facebook page.
