FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
Fighting wildfires, teaching people about safe burning, and keeping our forests healthy and productive. Those jobs are all in a day’s work for five public servants overseeing Emanuel and Candler Counties for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The outstanding performance of the Emanuel/Candler Unit has earned the team GFC’s “2025 Unit of the Year – Community Engagement” Award.
Georgia Forestry Commission Chief Ranger Doug Claxton is a Swainsboro native who credits a commitment to teamwork for achieving its noteworthy outcomes. Claxton’s co-workers include Brandon Beasley, Chatt Jones, Chris Garner, and Matt Jones. The unit conducted seven forestry field days, 15 educational programs, and numerous meetings with the fire department and county commissioner. Employees logged more than 43 hours per person in outreach programs, and Claxton personally responded to nearly three-quarters of all wildfires.
“The Emanuel/Candler Unit sets a high bar for GFC and we’re proud to recognize their superior work,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “Forest landowners in this area have proven to be very strong partners, and together we’re making our forestland more resilient for today and tomorrow.”
Claxton said he and his colleagues work hard to encourage local youth to pursue high achievement and are proud of the example they’re able to set.
For more information about services of and careers with the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.