The GFC pauses annually to recognize strides made by our agency during the year. As events are evaluated and statistics are calculated, the achievements of units statewide and the employees behind them are noted. Acknowledging the hard work of our team brings pride to us all.

Four awards are given each year to recognize specific efforts that support GFC’s mission statewide: Unit of the Year – Service; Unit of the Year – Community Engagement; Forester of the Year; and Wildland Firefighter of the Year.

Here are the award winners for 2025:

  • Telfair/Wheeler Unit – Unit of the Year – Service
  • Emanuel/Candler Unit – Unit of the Year – Community Engagement
  • Forester of the Year – Matt O’Connor, Region 4 Lead Forester
  • Wildland Firefighter of the Year – Will Dale, Habersham Unit

Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented damage to Georgia, and the Telfair/Wheeler Unit met it with characteristic tenacity. They invested thousands of hours in road clearing, earning accolades from Governor Brian Kemp. Over the year they had an average wildfire response time of four minutes and kept fire sizes to under 2.6 acres, all while maintaining an equipment inspection score of more than 97-percent. With some 300 hours of plowing/burning and 5200 prescribed acres burned, the unit was awarded Unit of the Year – Service.

Fighting wildfires, teaching people about safe burning, and keeping our forests healthy and productive are all in a day’s work for the Emanuel/Candler Unit. Exceeding goals earned the team GFC’s 2025 Unit of the Year – Community Engagement Award. 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 credit teamwork for their success.

L to R: Chatt Jones, Brandon Beasley, Doug Claxton (Chief Ranger), Matt Jones, and Chris Garner

Will Dale has been named Wildland Firefighter of the Year. His focus on training, delivery, and commitment have delivered notable results for GFC’s Habersham Unit. He is a certified regional crew boss and lead worker who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at home and on national assignments. Dale has been with the Georgia Forestry Commission for eight years. He previously served in law enforcement, structural firefighting, and hazardous materials response. Dale demonstrates commitment and leadership in every job he takes on. “This is in your heart. I want to see other people succeed, and if I can help them, that’s what makes me tick.”

Matt O’Connor is GFC’s 2025 Forester of the Year. His love for the woods was fostered on his family’s tree farm and he earned a Forestry from the University of Georgia before joining GFC. He earned special recognition for serving as Liaison Officer during Hurricane Helene and for overseeing the storm’s timber damage assessments. Under his leadership, his region’s foresters increased landowner cases by 20-percent. O’Conner’s commitment to superior customer service is evident in all he does. “I come to work each day trying to work my hardest and do the best job I can to help our local landowners.”